Last Updated: 8 December 2021
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#BibleandChurchFathersQuoteBook
Latest Update: 5 Dec 2022
Free PDF Download Link:
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Page of Contents for this #BibleandChurchFathersQuoteBook
#IgnoredChristianDoctrineBook
Latest Update: 19 February 2022
This book is written to look at how some Christian Doctrines are Ignored by some modern Christians as not so important. Therefore we try our best not to repeat the usual Doctrines which are already well Revealed and accepted across mainstream Christianity such as the Doctrine of Trinity to the Doctrine of Holiness and rather choose to Speak about the other New Testament Bible Verses which pertain to some of these Ignored Doctrines and Possibilities so that a Christian may decide his walk of faith better and not be discouraged by empty words against it sometimes (by those who preach a simplified saved by Grace Doctrine ignoring the fruits of Salvation or in some cases ignoring the Rewards Doctrine for Works as Revealed for this New Testament).
The free pdf may be found in link below:
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#SafeRouteScripturallyBook
Latest Update: 31 Oct 2022
This book is written to explain some key Christian Doctrine position we take to be Safe Scripturally highlighting the Risks with Bible Verses for those who do otherwise. This is important to as a Christian because we do not want Christ Questioning us one day regarding ‘Why we didn’t warn others?’ based on Verses below:
“… When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall surely die!’ and YOU DO NOT SPEAK TO WARN THE WICKED FROM HIS WAY, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; BUT HIS BLOOD I WILL REQUIRE AT YOUR HAND. Nevertheless IF YOU WARN the WICKED to TURN FROM HIS WAY, and he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity; but YOU HAVE DELIVERED YOUR SOUL. …” (Ezekiel 33:8 – 9, NKJV)
This does not necessarily mean that the opposite positions to what we propose as the Safe Route Scripturally in this Book must we wrong but rather in some cases it could be so if God permitted it. However the risk of the opposite positions is still there because we prove our position with Bible Verses and the opposite positions usually pertain to New Modern Ways which some Christians have claimed that God told them do so especially based on the Progressive Revelation Movement which we do not support.
Since only God Knows whether their claims are true or not, we do not judge those Christians letting God Judge them alone. However, we also point out to them to have respect for these First Ways of the Church especially which are Written in Bible Verses because the Doctrinal Position we demonstrate is already Plainly Written in Holy Scripture and so it is already 100% Approved by New Testament Scripture and the First Churches which obeyed it are already Saved by Practicing it and that’s why we seek to Imitate Scripture likewise. Big number of Christians following a Doctrine or believing in something is not necessarily a sign of Truth which is easy to prove for any Protestants since no matter what blessing or evangelism they claim, the Roman Catholics beat them in financial blessings to number of souls and so by that logic, does it justify Praying to Virgin Mary? So claiming such proofs is not Biblical but rather we point to Bible Verses only for each claim.
The free pdf may be found in link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HUXXa2kgpImEpVWFg4AN0SBc0x4ulSLn/view?usp=share_link
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“Prosperity Testimony” – Questions to Ponder
A General Scenario: Imagine your country has majority of religion A and race B but a person of religion C and race D becomes its king by Democracy. So if that “king” comes and gives a testimony of his life, would you leave your religion and convert to that instead?
This is a reason “why” I do “not” believe in any “Prosperity” as a
“sign of truth”.
The “king” may be from subrace D1 while the others from his native country may be from subrace D2, D3, … where even among them they won’t support those of another subrace easily or if any from their subrace is not of the same religion of C, can you see it?
In fact, they won’t even allow subrace D2, D3, etc. to marry those of subrace D1 or some selected subrace only to do so. But despite such racism hidden within their own hearts even, they can be among the “richest” people in the world too. God Will Reveal everything One Day.
While people from race D or others wish to be “king” in the land of majority religion A and race B, in their own “native land/motherland” NO ONE from race B or others who do not believe in religion C will ever be a “king” there (in their “motherland”) by “democracy”, an irony isn’t it?
The only “Genuine Truth” here I see is that the people of majority religion A and race B have been able to PRACTICE JUSTICE beyond their own religion A and race B which itself puts them at a MORAL LEVEL that is UNSURPASSED by their other counterparts. The day the others can do similarly in not just “appointing a king” but also in “other matters of business and life” then they get closer to “God’s Truth”. Till then, it’s just a “prosperity game” which is an “illusion” which destroys one in the “spirit world”.
A similar thing can be seen in regards to “Prosperity Churches” vs “Poorer Churches” likewise in analogy.
That’s why Christ put the Command of PERFECTION not as “prosperity” but the CHARITY DOCTRINE:
“… 21JESUS said to him, “IF you want to be PERFECT, go, SELL what YOU HAVE and GIVE to the POOR, and YOU WILL HAVE TREASURE IN HEAVEN; and come, FOLLOW ME.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS. 23Then JESUS said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is HARD for a RICH MAN TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 24And AGAIN I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. …” (Matthew 19:21 – 24, NKJV)
That’s why in CHRIST’s OWN WORDS here we see that the GREATEST NUMBER is “ZERO” for those who can do “ZERO PROSPERITY” of “… SELL what YOU HAVE and GIVE to the POOR, and YOU WILL HAVE TREASURE IN HEAVEN; and come, FOLLOW ME. …” which I CANNOT DO (so even a scrap of heaven or at the final new earth would suffice for me) but the Greatest Fathers of the Church the world has even known (as I have quoted say in the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook) have done it remarkably. Please note that letting go of wealth and living like a hermit does NOT count much if the “wealth was left to the family” earlier as that person by relative measure did NOT give anything to the poor. I mean the best is to give some to family and according to one’s ability give to the poor as well.
An Edifying Comment: Can the country of origin of such persons allow those NOT of same race NOR of same religion to hold such portfolio likewise? (or will they never vote for such even if the candidate is good? NOT just in POLITICS but any field too like for example in Education even they grab the “paying teaching opportunities to themselves instead of the candidate of best qualification among them even” as that’s their “moral level even toward same race but different religion” is only at that level of “prejudice” even. So, Let all Answer God One Day).
Conclusion
You see it is People who send themselves to “Hell” (even if “Eternal so be it”) due to “their own injustice and unholiness within them” as these few points in comparison itself shows.
Peace to you
Especially those which affect the “future in the Spirit World and beyond” after we die toward the “Resurrection”.
St. Ambrose of Milan seems to be very CONFIDENT of SUCH NON ELECT SALVATION from the LAKE of FIRE CONTEXT as his quotes next seem to point, right?
Source: https://www.sacred-texts.com/cla/sib/sib04.htm
Page 1867 of the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook .
Page 1908 of the #SafeRouteScripturallyBook
Source for Image next: https://biblicalstudies.org.uk/pdf/jts/032_270.pdf
#MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook
Please find the Latest Draft of a New Book Titled “Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven in First Christianity” (Completed 31 January 2022) in pdf (free download/viewing) in link below:
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https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-zX7XgzguBYHkXWucUZ6xfMInbwtj0Z3/view?usp=sharing
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Short Description of Book
This Book explores the Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven beginning with Christ’s Most Blessed Words Found in Holy Scripture and explores related Bible Verses and other First Christianity Quotes especially from the Church Fathers who were direct disciples of the Apostles themselves or their disciples to understand this better and explore related topics by giving Church History examples too where relevant.
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Free E-Books are Available in link below including the latest one titled:
https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Jonathan+Ramachandran
Here’s another Draft of a new book too
Here’s another Draft of a new book too
#CharityDoctrineBook
This Book explores mostly the Bible Verses related to the Charity Doctrine aspect apart from looking at some other related topics regarding Christian Perfection. Its contents are not well listed out but for a keen reader it will be more of a treasure hunt for Bible Verses on such Topics together with First Christianity quotes in support of it where possible. A 100 year old or 500 year old Christianity cannot fully Reveal 2000 year old Christianity’s Mysteries and Secrets.
The free pdf may be found in link below:
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#EternalHellAnnihilationandUniversalismBook
Please find the Latest Draft of a New Book Titled
“Eternal Hell Annihilation and Universalism in Christianity – Can all three be true A Look with the Apostolic Fathers” (Completed 24 December 2021) in pdf (free download/viewing) in link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N5bK-LoBAg4VQN8eLtVWsqkQyoGE0Ad_/view?usp=sharing
Short Description of Book
This Book explores the Bible Verses to see whether Eternal Hell Annihilation and Universalism in Christianity can be true simultaneously in some way especially from writings of the Church Fathers who were direct disciples of the Apostles themselves or their disciples to understand this better via those writings called the Apostolic Fathers. We only quote the Apostolic Fathers Writings as modern Scholarship calls it such since these are the earliest Christian Writings known and which were accepted in First Christianity. The later fathers and Christians even if 1 million of them believe in it can err since they may be repeating what one particular church father has said or interpreted. In light of this fact, it may be best to look at these earliest and best ones known to Christianity outside the Bible.
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Outward Holiness but Inside Lawlessness Danger
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161328366332784
1) The Problem – “Lawlessness” Inside though outwardly Holy
“… 28Even so you also OUTWARDLY APPEAR RIGHTEOUS TO MEN, but INSIDE YOU ARE FULL OF HYPOCRISY AND LAWLESSNESS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:28, NKJV)
2) The Solution – “Lawlessness” Inside cleansed by “Almsgiving” (Charity Doctrine)
“… “… 39Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and DISH CLEAN, but YOUR INWARD PART is full of [k]GREED and WICKEDNESS. 40FOOLISH ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 41, NKJV)
3) The Rejection due to “Lawlessness” inside also
“… 22MANY will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23And then I will declare to them, ‘I NEVER KNEW YOU; depart from Me, you who practice LAWLESSNESS!’ …” (Matthew 7:22 – 23, NKJV)
Conclusion
No one is cleansed from “Lawlessness Inside” unless via “Almsgiving” as Christ Records that alone in Luke 11:39 – 41. Can someone be cleansed by “not” Doing What He Commanded? (Not opinions of men)
Indeed, Preaching Christ includes not just about Him but also What He Commanded such as the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle of “Almsgiving” to clean the “Lawlessness Inside” (Matthew 23:25 – 28 and Luke 11:39 – 45).
“… But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and NOT DO THE THINGS WHICH I SAY? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46, NKJV)
Peace to you
Protestant Dilemma – Misunderstanding Sola Fide vs Faith with Works and Possible Consequences
1) The Problem – Why is this important?
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called LEAST in the KINGDOM of HEAVEN; but whoever DOES and TEACHES them, he shall be called GREAT in the kingdom of heaven. …” – KING of the Heavens and the Most Blessed One, LORD of lords, Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19, NKJV)
“… 21“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22MANY will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23And then I will declare to them, ‘I NEVER KNEW YOU; depart from Me, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS!’ 24“Therefore WHOEVER HEARS THESE SAYINGS OF MINE, and DOES THEM, I will liken him to a WISE MAN WHO BUILT HIS HOUSE ON THE ROCK: …” (Matthew 7:21 – 24, NKJV)
Comment: ‘Saved by Grace must promote His Commands’ which is a True Faith in Christ. To “avoid LAWLESSNESS”, The “LAW” part Christ Refers to is “not the abolished Torah Observances as some Christian err” but ONLY THE THINGS WHICH CHRIST SAID (either those He Re-enforced from the TORAH or NEW TESTAMENT COMMANDS such as the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE of GIVING and SHARING which is the ‘most number of Commands by Christ Himself in the New Testament’ even in this Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5 to Matthew 7).
“… For I say unto you, That except YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS [1343 dikaiosynē] shall EXCEED the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in NO CASE ENTER into the kingdom of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:20, KJV)
I have discussed Matthew 5:20 in detail in Pages 30 to 40 in the free pdf #MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook
Can you see it please ‘as it is Written’?
2) Sola Fide in light of “Holiness Doctrine”
“… 110As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
11There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God. 22Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:…” (Romans 3:10 – 11, 22 – 24, NKJV)
These Verses prove that ONLY CHRIST’S RIGHTEOUSNESS SAVES us but it does “not” prove that we “don’t need to be holy” nor that “we don’t need to do the Charity Doctrine or other Good Works for faith”.
Also by quoting the Verse above, do your pastors stop being holy since “HOLINESS is ALSO A WORK OF THE LAW”? If “not”, then why stop doing the Charity Doctrine with Church Money or Personal Money as CHRIST’S ANSWER DID NOT END WITH HOLINESS COMMANDS ONLY and so NEITHER SHOULD ANY TRUE PREACHING OF THE GOSPEL END THERE either as Described in Verses below ‘as it is Written’:
“… 16Now behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Teacher, WHAT GOOD THING SHALL I DO that I MAY HAVE ETERNAL LIFE?” 17So He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But IF YOU WANT TO ENTER INTO LIFE, KEEP THE COMMANDMENTS.” 18He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “‘You shall not murder,’ ‘You shall not commit adultery,’ ‘You shall not steal,’ ‘You shall not bear false witness,’ 19‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. WHAT DO I STILL LACK?” …” (Matthew 19:16 – 20, NKJV)
“… 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. WHAT DO I STILL LACK?” 21JESUS said to him, “If you want to be PERFECT, GIVE to the POOR, and YOU WILL HAVE TREASURE IN HEAVEN; and come, FOLLOW ME.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS. 23Then JESUS said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is HARD for a RICH MAN TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 24And AGAIN I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. …” (Matthew 19:20 – 24, NKJV)
Also, contrary to popular belief in Christianity itself, the DOCTRINES which pertain to ‘… i. FOUNDATION of REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS and OF FAITH TOWARD GOD, ii. 2of the DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS, iii. of LAYING OF HANDS, iv. of RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD, and v. of ETERNAL JUDGMENT …’ are BASIC DOCTRINES as I have discussed in the first chapter in this #IgnoredChristianDoctrineBook itself or in link below which also points to the CHARITY DOCTRINE as a DOCTRINE of PERFECTION in Verses below clearly:
“… 1Therefore, LEAVING THE DISCUSSION OF THE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST, let us GO ON TO [a]PERFECTION, NOT laying again the FOUNDATION of REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS and OF FAITH TOWARD GOD, 2of the DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS, of LAYING OF HANDS, of RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD, and of ETERNAL JUDGMENT. 3And THIS [b]we will do IF GOD PERMITS. … 9But, beloved, we are confident of BETTER THINGS CONCERNING YOU, YES, THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION, though we speak in this manner. 10For God is not unjust to forget YOUR WORK and [d]LABOR OF LOVE which you have shown toward His name, IN THAT YOU HAVE MNISTERED TO THE SAINTS, and DO MINISTER. 11And WE DESIRE THAT EACH ONE OF YOU SHOW THE SAME DILLIGENCE TO THE FULL ASSURANCE OF HOPE UNTIL THE END, 12that you do not become [e]sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience INHERIT the promises. …” (Hebrews 6:1 – 3, 9 – 12, NKJV)
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161463490927784
3) Gold Type of Faith are either based on Voluntary Suffering or Voluntary Charity Doctrine Lifestyle
“… 9“I know your works, TRIBULATION, and POVERTY (but YOU ARE RICH); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a [e]synagogue of Satan. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:9, NKJV)
Note: This Church in Verse above suffered TRIBULATION (Persecution for faith) and POVERTY (being poor in material wealth or money literally) but are said to be RICH (in HEAVEN’s Rewards Perspective).
Spiritually Poor Church = Prosperity Church with health and wealth but “no” Works of Sharing & Giving:
“… 15“I KNOW YOUR WORKS, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16So then, because YOU ARE LUKEWARM, and neither [k]cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17Because you say, ‘I AM RICH, HAVE BECOME WEALTHY, and HAVE NEED OF NOTHING’—and do not know that YOU ARE WRETCHED, MISERABLE, POOR, BLIND, AND NAKED— 18I counsel you to BUY FROM ME GOLD REFINED IN THE FIRE, that YOU MAY BE RICH; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:15 – 18, NKJV)
“… 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. WHAT DO I STILL LACK?” 21JESUS said to him, “If you want to be PERFECT, GIVE to the POOR, and YOU WILL HAVE TREASURE IN HEAVEN; and come, FOLLOW ME.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS. 23Then JESUS said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is HARD for a RICH MAN TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 24And AGAIN I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. …” (Matthew 19:20 – 24, NKJV)
4) Faith with Works Doctrine and its effect on Eternal Rewards
“… 11For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if anyone builds on this foundation with GOLD, SILVER, PRECIOUS STONES, wood, hay, straw, 13each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, HE WILL RECEIVE A REWARD. 15If anyone’s WORK IS BURNED, HE WILL SUFFER LOSS; but HE HIMSELF WILL BE SAVED, YET SO AS THROUGH FIRE. …” (1 Corinthians 3:11 – 15, NKJV)
Some may be “Saved by Fire” only incurring the “Loss of Reward” while “not” all get the “Gold” or “Silver” level Reward either meaning that “not” all inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven is same for Christians either and so, please don’t be deceived by Teachings which claim ‘you get every treasure in heaven by doing nothing’ or by doing less’. This “Saved by Fire” case can include some of those whom are included in John 3:16’s “whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life” and so it’s “not” as honourable as the Salvation of other Christians who adorn their Faith with Works accordingly to HONOUR GOD in ACTION as the next point discusses in detail.
4) Add to your Faith
“… According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the KNOWLEDGE OF HIM that hath CALLED US TO GLORY AND VIRTUE: (4) Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. (5) And beside this, giving all diligence, ADD TO YOUR FAITH VIRTUE; and TO VIRTUE KNOWLEDGE; (6) And TO KNOWLEDGE TEMPERANCE; and TO TEMPERANCE PATIENCE; and TO PATIENCE GODLINESS; (7) And TO GODLINESS BROTHERLY KINDNESS; and TO BROTHERLY KINDNESS CHARITY [Love]. 8For IF THESE THINGS ARE YOURS AND ABOUND, you will BE NEITHER [e]BARREN NOR UNFRUITFUL in the KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST . 9For HE WHO LACKS THESE THINGS IS SHORT SIGHTED, EVEN TO BLINDNESS, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. 10Therefore, brethren, BE EVEN MORE DILLGENT TO MAKE YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE, FOR IF YOU DO THESE THINGS YOU WILL NEVER STUMBLE; 11FOR SO AN ENTRANCE WILL BE SUPPLIED TO YOU ABUNDANTLY into the EVERLASTING KINGDOM of OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST …” (2 Peter 1:3-11, KJV )
Comments:
“… through the KNOWLEDGE OF HIM that hath CALLED US TO GLORY AND VIRTUE …” (2 Peter 1:3, KJV)
“… 10Therefore, brethren, BE EVEN MORE DILLGENT TO MAKE YOUR CALLING AND ELECTION SURE, FOR IF YOU DO THESE THINGS YOU WILL NEVER STUMBLE; …”
iii. Did you notice that “KNOWLEDGE of the LORD” is ‘not’ referred to as knowing some ‘fancy prophecy’ or ‘some deep theology’ but rather as these HOLINESS + GOOD WORKS in ACTION TRAITS
“… ADD TO YOUR FAITH VIRTUE; and TO VIRTUE KNOWLEDGE; (6) And TO KNOWLEDGE TEMPERANCE; and TO TEMPERANCE PATIENCE; and TO PATIENCE GODLINESS; (7) And TO GODLINESS BROTHERLY KINDNESS; and TO BROTHERLY KINDNESS CHARITY [Love]. 8For IF THESE THINGS ARE YOURS AND ABOUND, you will BE NEITHER [e]BARREN NOR UNFRUITFUL in the KNOWLEDGE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST . …” (2 Peter 1:5 – 8, KJV)
Note: In this same letter, even ‘Blessed Apostle St. Peter’ himself admits that some ‘deeper theological knowledge’ is HARD TO UNDERSTAND (referring to Blessed Apostle St. Paul’s letters meaning that even if we as Christians didn’t know these aspects correctly or didn’t understand it perfectly, so just leave it or be neutral about it but DON’T TWIST IT) as it’s NOT A SIGN of REJECTION from life as only the ABOVE THINGS are ENOUGH for ONE’s FAITH + WORKS to be FRUITFUL in the KNOWLEDGE of OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST unto SALVATION, Verses:
“… as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in WHICH ARE SOME THINGS HARD TO UNDERSTAND, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures. …” (2 Peter 3:16, NKJV)
“… 9For HE WHO LACKS THESE THINGS IS SHORT SIGHTED, EVEN TO BLINDNESS, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins. …” (2 Peter 1:9, KJV)
Note: So a Christian/Church who only Teaches “Faith” and possibly “Godliness” (holiness only) but “no” mention of these other things which are to be ADDED to FAITH as DOCTRINE which includes the CHARITY DOCTRINE which is both BROTHERLY KINDNESS & CHARITY/LOVE in ACTION with these world’s goods, (e.g. 1 John 3:16 – 18) may actually NOT be helping you STAND in FAITH but may actually be SHORT SIGHTED or SPIRITUALLY BLIND as these VERSES WARN clearly.
“… 11FOR SO AN ENTRANCE WILL BE SUPPLIED TO YOU ABUNDANTLY into the EVERLASTING KINGDOM of OUR LORD AND SAVIOUR JESUS CHRIST …” (2 Peter 1:11, KJV)
Note: So please start Preaching the Charity Doctrine and the other aspects listed here if one really cares for their CHRISTIAN BRETHREN and CHURCH or FAMILY too so that together, by GOD’S GRACE all may ENTER ABUNDANTLY into HIS “EVERLASTING” KINGDOM through these ADDITIONS to FAITH.
In short, the Greatest Heavenly Rewards (ABUNDANCE ENTRANCE as stated here, the ‘Real Abundant Life Context meant in John 10:10 too’) is “not” for those who hold to “Faith Alone only” but rather to those who “ADD TO YOUR FAITH THESE THINGS (listed in Verse above) too”.
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161233812667784
Example discussion quote:
Anyway interestingly, this First Protestant Champion of Faith regarding Bible Translation, Blessed John Wycliffe himself translated 2 Peter 1:10 to include this “… BY YOUR GOOD WORKS …” in 2 Peter 1:10 few hundred years before the KJV translation itself, to quote:
“… 10 Wherefore, brethren, be ye more busy [more busy ye], that BY GOOD WORKS YE MAKE YOUR CALLING and CHOOSING CERTAIN; for ye doing these things shall not do sin any time [soothly ye doing these things, shall not sin any time]. 11 For thus the entering into [the] everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, shall be ministered to you plenteously. …” – Blessed John Wycliffe’s Translation of 2 Peter 1:10 – 11, where John Wycliffe is Nicknamed the “Morning Star of the Reformation”, (2 Peter 1:10 – 11, Wycliffe Bible in modern English)
Note: If Blessed John Wycliffe can even translate ‘his Bible’ as above and Preach it to be “saved”, so can we. Can you see it? Please also note that the points discussed above are true regardless if this phrase exists or not in the Original as even other Bible Verses Testify here but it’s just interesting to know.
Conclusion
Some Protestants think that if they ‘Preach Faith only + Holiness’, their doctrine is complete but this is far from the Truth as these Verses demonstrate and in fact, without Preaching these ADDITIONS to THE FAITH (His Commands of Good Works from VIRTUE to GODLINESS to BROTHERLY KINDNESS to LOVE), either the reward is going to be “small” or “spiritual blindness” has been implied clearly (in 2 Peter 1:3 – 11 earlier). So, please don’t be deceived.
Also, please don’t forget relative measure as the Poor Widow with 2 coins outdid the giving of others which may “not” even have fed any or fed few in comparison to the rich’s giving “out of their abundance” (Luke 21:1 – 4) which in Principle of Judgment (e.g. Luke 12:46 – 48’s “more is given more is required”) also echoes this same Truth where if you have a bigger audience to reach within your Christian Church/Denomination but you fail to Preach these Greater Rewards for your congregation to attain, do you think ‘your reward is going to be great’?
I don’t think so as Christians who don’t share ‘spiritual knowledge’ which can ‘increase another’s heavenly rewards’ may likewise by relative measure ‘attain to little only likewise’ by Fair Judgment and Vice Versa. Here are some key example DOCTRINES which Point to GREATER HEAVENLY REWARDS for those who Practice it:
[Example of Commands which are NOT MANDATORY but OPTIONAL which can refer to the “GOOD” which are “not Commands (Mandatory)” but done “WILLINGLY“]:
“… 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I still lack?”21JESUS said to him, “If you want to be PERFECT, GIVE to the POOR, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, FOLLOW ME.” …” (Matthew 19:20 – 21, NKJV)
“… For there are eunuchs who were born thus from their mother’s womb, and there are eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves EUNUCHS FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN’S SAKE. He who is ABLE TO ACCEPT IT, LET HIM ACCEPT IT.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 19:12, NKJV)
“… 7For I WISH THAT ALL MEN WERE EVEN as I MYSELF. But each one has his own gift from God, one in this manner and another in that. 8But I say to the UNMARRIED AND TO THE WIDOWS: IT IS GOOD FOR THEM IF THEY REMAIN EVEN AS I AM; 9but if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry. For it is better to marry than to burn with passion. … 28 But even if you do marry, you have not sinned; and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such will have TROUBLE IN THE FLESH, but I WOULD SPARE YOU. … 32But I want you to be without care. He who is UNMARRIED CARES FOR THE THINGS OF THE LORD—how he may PLEASE THE LORD. 33But HE WHO IS MARRIED CARES about the THINGS OF THE WORLD—how he may PLEASE HIS WIFE. … 38So then he who GIVES HER IN MARRIAGE DOES WELL, but he WHO DOES NOT GIVE HER IN MARRIAGE DOES BETTER. …” (1 Corinthians 7:7 – 9, 28, 32 – 33, 38, NKJV)
“… TO THE EUNUCHS who keep my sabbaths,
And CHOOSE WHAT PLEASES ME,
And hold fast My covenant,
5Even to them I WILL GIVE IN MY HOUSE
And WITHIN MY WALLS A PLACE AND A NAME
BETTER THAN THAT OF SONS AND DAUGHTERS;
I will give [a]them AN EVERLASTING NAME
That SHALL NOT BE CUT OFF. …” (Isaiah 56:4 – 5, NKJV)
This was discussed in detail in Pages 579 to 586 in the #MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook
Note: Nothing wrong in “SEEKING for GLORY and IMMORTALITY and HONOUR” except that don’t seek it from men on earth but on “Judgment Day” from God and thus keep away from man-made doctrines which run down the encouragement to “not” bother about these non-mandatory commands/willing commands as listed above as ‘the loss of it would be eternal’ (so may God Help us to be Wise) in doing what we can BY HIS GRACE ONLY:
“… ETERNAL LIFE to those who by PATIENT CONTINUANCE IN DOING GOOD SEEK FOR GLORY, HONOR and IMMORTALITY; …” (Romans 2:7, NKJV)
As long as we remember that any Good Act we could do is by “God” Working it through us, there will be “no” self-righteousness (as self-righteousness is assuming that we are doing the Good Works instead of admitting that GOD IS THE ONE DOING IT THORUGH US, the “Jesus in You” Principle) as Revealed in example Verse below:
“… for it is GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU BOTH TO WILL AND TO DO for His good pleasure. …” (Philippians 2:13, NKJV)
In light of all these Bible Verses, “DOING Faith Alone type of Doctrine with Godliness (holiness) only” and TEACHING that doesn’t make one that great s compared to if one DOES AND TEACHES MORE of CHRIST’S COMMANDS and DOCTRINES on EACH OF THESE ASPECTS too “… ADD TO YOUR FAITH VIRTUE; and TO VIRTUE KNOWLEDGE; (6) And TO KNOWLEDGE TEMPERANCE; and TO TEMPERANCE PATIENCE; and TO PATIENCE GODLINESS; (7) And TO GODLINESS BROTHERLY KINDNESS; and TO BROTHERLY KINDNESS CHARITY Love]. …” (2 Peter 1:5 – 7, KJV).
What you DO AND TEACH (“not” do only) will AFFECT the GREATNESS of one in HIS KINGDOM (Reward-Level, implied) because he LOGIC is simple: THE LIFE of VIRTUE and GOOD WORKS which ONE LIVES IN FAITH for CHRIST shows HOW MUCH we APPRECIATE and HONOUR GOD BACK IN RETURN, Verses:
“… 19Whoever therefore BREAKS one of the least of THESE COMMANDMENTS, and teaches men so, shall be called LEAST in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN; but whoever DOES AND TEACHES THEM, he shall be called GREAT in the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 20For I say to you, that unless YOUR RIGHTEOUSNESS EXCEEDS THE RIGHTEOUSNESS of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by NO MEANS ENTER THE KINGDOM of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:19 – 21, NKJV)
This part of DOCTRINE fulfills the GREAT COMMISSION’s “… 20TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU …” as based on this the REWARD-LEVEL may be Determined by God:
“… 18And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20TEACHING THEM TO OBSERVE ALL THINGS THAT I HAVE COMMANDED YOU; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. …” (Matthew 28:18 – 20, NKJV)
There are three types of Reward Level in the Heavens for Christians namely, the “THIRTYFOLD vs SIXTYFOLD vs HUNDREFOLD“, Verse:
“… But others fell on GOOD GROUND and yielded a crop: some a HUNDREDFOLD, SOME SIXTY, SOME THIRTY. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:8, NKJV)
The only Verse which Describes the HUNDREFOLD Harvest of the Gospel (Matthew 13:8) Point to an ACTION of VOLUNTARY POVERTY or LEAVING SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT for the GOSPEL WORK in some Way such as “… leaving WIFE …” (can include the Context of being Unmarried for the Gospel Work) or “… leaving Family (father, mother, brother) …” (to Preach the Gospel or reach out to others or be rejected at home due to your faith) or “… leaving LANDS and HOUSES …” (i.e. literal Charity Doctrine Lifestyle as other New Testament Verses describe this Giving/Sharing, e.g. Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32) in some Way, Verses:
“… 27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have LEFT ALL and FOLLOWED YOU. Therefore what shall we have?” 28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the REGENERATION, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And EVERYONE who has LEFT HOUSES or brothers or sisters or father or mother or WIFE or children or LANDS, for MY NAME’S SAKE, shall RECEIVE a HUNDREDFOLD, and INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE. 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST. …” (Matthew 19:27 – 30, NKJV)
Note: This “HUNDREDFOLD Reward” is “not” given now in this life as some Prosperity Gospel Preaches err (claiming that they are fulfilling this Verse) but rather this Reward is clearly Pointed by CHRIST HIMSELF to refer to the REGENERATION as it is GIVEN TOGETHER WITH ETERNAL LIFE TOO (First Resurrection Timeline, Revelation 20:4 – 6) in Verses above refuting this common fallacy.
Here’s a Mystery: Contrary to the popular misunderstanding that the term “… 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST. …” means all Christians get equal rewards (be it thirtyfold, sixtyfold or hundredfold contradicting even the Gold, Silver vs Precious Stones analogy of reward in 1 Corinthians 3:12 too), the True Meaning is Revealed here by CHRIST HIMSELF that the FIRST refers to the HUNDREDFOLD TYPE OF REWARD and it is to be OBTAINED by the WORKS of RENUNCIATION mentioned here ‘as it is Written’.
Also, the phrase “…. shall RECEIVE a HUNDREDFOLD, and INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE. …” points to two things namely:
It is “not” mentioned that Prayer/ Fasting/ Church Attendance/ Worship / Number of Converts/ Church Size/ How many people you baptized is going to give this HUNDREDFOLD REWARD but only these things are WRITTEN (if there are other ways, let God Decide One Day but one of these things is certain for a HUNDREFOLD REWARD) namely “… . 29And EVERYONE who has LEFT HOUSES or brothers or sisters or father or mother or WIFE or children or LANDS, for MY NAME’S SAKE, shall RECEIVE a HUNDREDFOLD …” BY CHRIST HIMSELF DIRECTLY (so this is the HIGHEST WISDOM for HEAVENLY REWARDS DOCTRINE).
Note: The HUNDREDFOLD Reward is the Highest Reward in His Kingdom as these Verses and First Christianity Quotes have Taught and I have quoted in my free pdf books which you can download from links available on my Facebook Wall or Website if keen.
Peace to you
Almsgiving or Charity Doctrine Delivers from Judgment of Sin just like the Acts of Love as Christ Himself Taught
1) St. Polycarp the Direct Disciple of St, John the Apostle Quotes Book of Tobit (Apocrypha) as “Scripture” for this “Almsgiving part”. It’s hard to imagine that a direct disciple of the Apostles can make a ‘mistake’ in this
“… STAND FAST, therefore, in these things, and FOLLOW THE EXAMPLE OF THE LORD, being firm and UNCHANGEABLE IN THE FAITH, loving the brotherhood, and being attached to one another, joined together in the truth, exhibiting the meekness of the Lord in your intercourse with one another, and despising no one. When YOU CAN DO GOOD, DEFER IT NOT, because “ALMS DELIVERS FROM DEATH.” [Tobit 12:9]” Be all of you subject one to another? having your conduct blameless among the Gentiles,” that YE MAY BOTH RECEIVE PRAISE FOR YOUR GOOD WORKS, and the Lord may not be blasphemed through you. But WOE TO HIM by whom the name of the Lord is blasphemed! Teach, therefore, sobriety to all, and manifest it also in your own conduct. …” – Blessed St. Polycarp, Bishop of Smryna, an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of the Blessed St. John the Apostle who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 69 AD – c. 155 AD, CHAPTER X.–EXHORTATION TO THE PRACTICE OF VIRTUE, THE EPISTLE OF POLYCARP TO THE PHILIPPIANS)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/polycarp-roberts.html
St. Polycarp is quoting the Tobit section below:
“… 6 Then he said to them SECRETLY: Bless ye the God of heaven, give glory to him in the sight of all that live, because he hath shewn his mercy to you. 7 For it is good to hide the secret of a king: but honourable to reveal and confess the works of God. 8 PRAYER IS GOOD WITH FASTING AND ALMS MORE THAN to lay up treasures of gold: 9 For ALMS DELIVERETH from DEATH, and the same is that which PURGETH AWAY SINS, and maketh to FIND MERCY AND LIFE EVERLASTING. … 15 For I am the angel RAPHAEL, one of the seven who stand before the Lord. …” (Bible Scripture.Net Translation, Tobit 12:6 – 9, 15)
Source: https://biblescripture.net/Tobias.html
Sy. Polycarp is not the only one to endorse the Book of Tobit as Scripture but other Great First Christian Saints too as it is Described in link below:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161277036987784
Please note that this is Biblical Truth without even the Book of Tobit quote by Christ Himself even as discussed in Points 3) to 4) to Conclusion at the end.
2) St. Leo I the Great
“… Let no one therefore, dearly beloved, flatter himself on any merits of a good life, if works of charity be wanting in him, and let him not trust in the purity of his body, if he be not cleansed by the purification of almsgiving. For “almsgiving wipes out sin,” kills death, and extinguishes the punishment of perpetual fire. (Tobit) …” – Blessed St. Leo the Great, also known as Pope Leo I, Bishop of Rome, Listed in the Ancient Lutheran’s Book of Concord as an accepted Church Father by Protestants & Pope Benedict XVI said that Leo’s papacy “was undoubtedly one of the most important in the Church’s history, Doctor of the Church, a Roman aristocrat, and was the first pope to have been called “the Great”. (c. 400 – 461 AD)
Source:
https://practicalapologetics.blogspot.com/2013/07/early-church-fathers-on-almsgiving.html
3) Prophet Daniel Teaches that “Almsgiving” or the Charity Doctrine removes the “Judgment of Sins” part
“… Wherefore, O king, let my counsel be acceptable unto thee, and BREAK OFF THY SINS BY RIGHTEOUSNESS, and THINE INIQUITIES BY SHEWING MERCY TO THE POOR; if it may be a lengthening of thy tranquillity. …” – Blessed and Holy Prophet Daniel (Daniel 4:27, KJV based on the Masoretic Text)
Source: https://biblehub.com/daniel/4-27.htm
Compare:
” … 27Therefore, O king, let my counsel please thee, and ATONE FOR THY SINS BY ALMS, and THINE INIQUITIES BY COMPASSION ON THE POOR: it may be God will be long-suffering to thy trespasses.” … – Blessed and Holy Prophet Daniel (Daniel 4:27, Brenton Septuagint Translation, based on the Septuagint or LXX)
Source: https://biblehub.com/sep/daniel/4.htm
4) Lord Jesus Christ Teaches that “Love” (in Action) Covers a “Multitude of Sins” (via Apostle St. Peter) too below
“… Therefore I say to you, HER SINS, which are MANY, are FORGIVEN, for SHE LOVED MUCH. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 7:47, NKJV)
Note: Christ Himself Says “LOVED MUCH” can cause “SINS to be FORGIVEN” where “Love is not words but Action which is the Charity Doctrine lifestyle of Giving and Sharing which Christ Knew in his Foreknowledge that she must have Practiced as Love in Words/Feeling without Action is not Biblical according to 1 John 3:16 – 18 itself. Apostle St. Peter repeats this Truth from Christ below:
“… And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “LOVE will COVER a MULTITUDE of SINS” …” (1 Peter 4:8, NKJV)
“… But love covers all sins. …” (Proverbs 10:12, NKJV)
Yes, … Love covers all sins ..” —> from Judgment. Love in Action = Charity Doctrine Lifestyle according to Verses below:
“… 16By this WE KNOW LOVE, because He laid down His life for us. And we also OUGHT TO LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN. 17But WHOEVER HAS THIS WORLD’S GOODS, and SEES HIS BROTHER IN NEED, AND SHUTS UP HIS HEART FROM HIM, HOW DOES THE LOVE OF GOD ABIDE IN HIM? 18My little children, let us NOT LOVE IN WORD or IN TONGUE, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH …” (1 John 3:16 – 18, NKJV)
Conclusion
In light of Christ’s Quotes we understand that the “Charity Doctrine” removes the “Judgment of Sins” but it cannot give new life nor give Resurrection. Only the Blood of Christ Can Remove Sin itself and bring us to the Resurrection Life beginning within us on earth itself. So only Christ’s Atonement and Work Gives us Life. The Almsgiving stops the ‘Judgment of Sins’, nothing more as that’s the Context meant in Tobit or elsewhere in Verses quoted here (even in Christ’s Parable of the Rich Man and Beggar Lazarus too which Speaks of this absence of Charity Doctrine leads straight to Hell in Luke 16:19 – 31) by which even Lazarus can be ‘spared of that Judgment’ too.
Since Christians cannot be Saved with “Lawlessness” and one of the evidence of “Lawlessness is outward Holiness without Almsgiving” (according to Christ in Luke 11:39 – 45 with Matthew 24:12’s “Lawlessness makes the Love of MANY cold”), this is discussed in detail in link below:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161328237897784
Peace to you
Lawlessness is not just sin but no Works of Love nor Mercy Context
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161328237897784
1) These REJECTION Verses despite converting “MANY” based on “Prophesied in Your Name, Cast out Demons in your Name or other Miracles”
“… 14Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it … 21“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22MANY will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23And then I will declare to them, ‘I NEVER KNEW YOU; depart from Me, you who practice LAWLESSNESS!’ …” (Matthew 7:14, 21 – 23, NKJV)
2) Context for “Lawlessness” as “Lack of Love/Works of Mercy in Action” (e.g. the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle) Verses
“… And because LAWLESSNESS will abound, the LOVE of MANY will grow cold …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:12, NKJV)
Conclusion
Mercy is Love in Action. Spiritually for example is sharing God’s Knowledge for free so others know it in analogy of the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25 – 37) Describes it for “Eternal life” toward an ‘Imperfect Theologically’ person (i.e. ‘the Good Samaritan’) as opposed to the better Theological Knowledge persons of the “Priest/Levite” who failed in this Charity Doctrine Aspect for “Eternal Life” (hence “Lawlessness” of the “Love grown cold type”) which Christ Himself Directly Taught in Luke 10:25 – 37 .
Yes, the rejection of Christians is based on “Lawlessness” (as I already wrote earlier to reject Christians who teach that sin is okay). So mainstream Christians are generally okay not doing that. If they teach that reject them. Also, it is also written that because of “Lawlessness” the “Love of Many” grows “cold” (Matthew 24:12), example absence of the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle which is Love in Action acts of Mercy. “Lawlessness” within though “outwardly holy whitewashed tombs without Almsgiving” is the Context for this as Christ Taught in Luke 11:39 – 41 which is the ‘other type of Lawlessness’ by which these can be Rejected.
To be Safe Scripturally, May God Help us to be neither of these “two Lawlessness” Described in Scripture as Christ Teaches to Cleanse this “Lawlessness” (please notice this word carefully in each quoted Verse here, “Context”) by “Almsgiving from what you have” quoted below:
“… 25“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you CLEANSE THE OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and dish, but INSIDE THEY ARE FULL OF EXTORTION and [l]SELF-INDULGENCE. 26Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like WHITEWASHED TOMBS which indeed appear BEAUTIFUL OUTWARDLY, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28Even so you also OUTWARDLY APPEAR RIGHTEOUS TO MEN, but INSIDE YOU ARE FULL OF HYPOCRISY AND LAWLESSNESS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:25 – 28, NKJV)
“… 39Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and DISH CLEAN, but YOUR INWARD PART is full of [k]GREED and WICKEDNESS. 40FOOLISH ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. 42“But woe to you Pharisees! For YOU TITHE mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by JUSTICE and the LOVE of GOD These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 43Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the [m]best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44Woe to you, [n]scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 45, NKJV)
Peace to you
Charity Doctrine Lifestyle is not a Return to the Law but a Doctrine of Grace
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161326237532784
Question (rephrased)
When you teach the Charity Doctrine, you are teaching a Return to the Law (Torah) and thus relying on self-righteousness and not on the Grace of God in the Finished Work of Christ
Reply
Nope it’s Christ Who Commanded it in Matthew 19:21 – 24. The lawful behaviour was Matthew 19:16 – 20 after which this rich young ruler then asked “what do I still lack” (Matthew 19:20)? Please also notice that Matthew 19:21 includes Christ’s Exhortation of “Follow Me” together with “If you want to be Perfect, Sell what you have and Give to the Poor” Exhortations. So this Giving lifestyle is “Increasing in Grace” and is NOT LAW as Apostle Paul himself writes in verses below:
“… 1Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the GRACE OF GOD BESTOWED on the churches of Macedonia: 2that in a GREAT TRIAL OF AFFLICTION the abundance of their joy and their DEEP POVERTY ABOUNDED in the RICHES OF THEIR LIBERALITY. 3For I bear witness that ACCORDING TO THEIR ABILITY, YES, and BEYOND THEIR ABILITY, they were FREELY WILLING, 4imploring us with much urgency [a]that we would RECEIVE THE GIFT and the fellowship of the MINISTERING TO THE SAINTS. 5And not only as we had hoped, but they FIRST GAVE THEMSELVES TO THE LORD, AND THEN TO US BY THE WILL OF GOD. 6So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also COMPLETE THIS GRACE IN YOU AS WELL. 7But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you ABOUND IN THIS GRACE ALSO. 8I speak NOT BY COMMANDMENT, but I am TESTING THE SINCERITY OF YOUR LOVE by the diligence of others. 9For you know the GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich..” (2 Corinthians 8:1 – 9, NKJV)
Conclusion
Please consider these Verses in an easier English Translation:
“… 1And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the GRACE THAT GOD HAS GIVEN the Macedonian churches. 2In the midst of a very SEVERE TRIAL, their overflowing joy and THEIR EXTREME POVERTY WELLED UP IN RICH GENEROSITY. 3For I testify that THEY GAVE AS MUCH AS THEY WERE ABLE, and EVEN BEYOND THEIR ABILITY. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the Lord’s people. 5And they exceeded our expectations: THEY GAVE THEMSELVES FIRST OF ALL to THE LORD, AND THEN BY THE WILL OF GOD ALSO TO US. 6So we urged Titus, just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion this ACT OF GRACE ON YOUR PART. 7But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you a —SEE THAT YOU ALSO EXCEL IN THIS GRACE OF GIVING. 8I AM NOT COMMANDING YOU, but I WANT TO TEST THE SINCERITY OF YOUR LOVE by COMPARING IT WITH THE EARNESTNESS of OTHERS. 9For you know the GRACE OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich. …” – Blessed St. Paul the Great Apostle of Christ to the Gentiles (2 Corinthians 8:1 – 9, NIV)
Comments:
1) This Charity Doctrine Lifestyle of Giving to the needs of one another (2 Corinthians 8:4) is an ACT of the GRACE OF GOD and not the Law (2 Corinthians 8:1, 2 Corinthians 8:6).
2) It’s measured in ‘Relative Measure’ based on what we are given and based on what we suffer but yet we give according to our ability or beyond our ability as God Wills (2 Corinthians 8:2 – 3).
3) Giving oneself to the Lord is naturally evidenced by this Charity Doctrine Lifestyle of how much one gives oneself for the benefit of others likewise (2 Corinthians 8:5).
4) Giving via this Charity Doctrine Lifestyle is something God Wished to see us “EXCEL IN” (2 Corinthians 8:7) implying a high relative measure type of giving as we are able (where the poor Widow with 2 Coins tops this list as Christ Himself Revealed in Luke 21:1 – 4).
5) None of these “Growing in Grace” are a “Command” like the ‘Torah’ but an exhortation “WILLINGLY” (2 Corinthians 8:8) just like Christ Exhorted the Rich Young Ruler likewise in Matthew 19:21 toward Perfection as discussed in the earlier post below:
https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161325970412784/
6) This type of CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE Described in Verses here by taking care of each other and providing for the needs of each other (2 Corinthians 8:1 – 9) is the Way to FOLLOW CHRIST in the GRACE OF GOD He Demonstrated First in Action as it’s compared here in 2 Corinthians 8:9.
7) Please notice that this the “being Rich” in 2 Corinthians 8:9 here refers to “spiritually rich” with “treasure in heavens” (Matthew 19:21 – 24, Luke 12:30 – 35) and not materialistically rich in any way because this Church that was called “rich” here was in “Extreme Poverty in the earthly sense (2 Corinthians 8:2) but yet exercised great giving in Relative Measure according to their ability and beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:3).
8) Church History in this ‘same Corinthian’ Church during the early times prove that this was the True Meaning and was part of the “Meat Doctrine” and “Growth in Grace” which was discussed in an earlier post in link below:
https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161286099952784/
Conclusion
The Bible clearly Teaches here that there is “no” fall from Grace but only a “GROWTH IN GRACE” via the ‘Charity Doctrine Lifestyle’. So, any True Church teaching the “Doctrines of Grace” must also likewise teach and do Excel in this “Grace of Giving likewise in Relative Measure” which is opposite of the “Collecting money in the Name of God and using it for self prosperity instead of sharing/giving to other needy believers or the poor” as these “quoted Bible Verses” (and not opinions of men) Testify Clearly as “It is Written”.
Peace to you
Outward Holiness is WhiteWashed Tombs if without the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle of Almsgiving as Christ Teaches in Verses below
“… 25“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you CLEANSE THE OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and dish, but INSIDE THEY ARE FULL OF EXTORTION and [l]SELF-INDULGENCE. 26Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like WHITEWASHED TOMBS which indeed appear BEAUTIFUL OUTWARDLY, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness. 28Even so you also OUTWARDLY APPEAR RIGHTEOUS TO MEN, but INSIDE YOU ARE FULL OF HYPOCRISY AND LAWLESSNESS. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 23:25 – 28, NKJV)
“… 39Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and DISH CLEAN, but YOUR INWARD PART is full of [k]GREED and WICKEDNESS. 40FOOLISH ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. 42“But woe to you Pharisees! For YOU TITHE mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by JUSTICE and the LOVE of GOD These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 43Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the [m]best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44Woe to you, [n]scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 45, NKJV)
Comments:
1) The Context of the Two verses above are linked because Christ is Teaching “Appear Outwardly to men” (i.e. Outward Holiness is present) but the Inward Cleansing via Almsgiving is not Practiced.
2) Only “Almsgiving/Charity Doctrine” is mentioned as able to cleanse “Inwardly” as Christ Himself Reveals above. There is “no” Verse which states that any other religious act does so and not from Christ Himself in the New Testament (if someone says otherwise, please ask for a verse and you will realize that there’s none).
3) Christ Teaches Inward Cleansing is not purely via Prayer/Fasting etc. because these Good Sacrifices is only accepted as much as Almsgiving is done first as per Judgment Day Verses too regarding our response to ‘… when I was Hungry, Thirsty, Homeless, Naked, …’ in Matthew 25:31 – 46 agreeing to Verses here. That’s why ‘Praying + Fasting + Almsgiving’ is the Best Combination for Spiritual Growth & Perfection (as even His Own Words echo ‘… If you want to be PERFECT, sell what you have and GIVE to the POOR …’ in Matthew 19:21 rings likewise).
4) Please notice in Luke 11:42 Christ also mentions the “Tithing” part where in analogy if tithing/Church attendance or other religious acts can cleanse within, then the Almsgiving would not be necessary. The fact that Almsgiving is mentioned on top of tithing in this Verse in the phrase “… These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. …” points to “Almsgiving/Charity Lifestyle” as fulfilling the LOVE of GOD part which ‘tithing does NOT fulfil’ as Christ’s Own Words Compare referring to these both as follows (a point many fail to see despite so clearly Written):
“… 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. 42“But woe to you Pharisees! For YOU TITHE mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by JUSTICE and the LOVE of GOD. These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:41 – 42, NKJV)
Note: Christ clearly Equates “Alms” = “Charity” = “JUSTICE and the LOVE of GOD” which these Pharisees ‘skipped’ but did practice ‘tithing’. If ‘tithing’ was part of “JUSTICE and the LOVE of GOD”, then Christ would have congratulated the Pharisees because they were ‘perfect in obedience in tithing’ as Christ’s Phrase “… For YOU TITHE mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by JUSTICE and the LOVE of GOD means in full. Yes, please notice carefully that the Pharisees’ perfect ‘tithe paying’ did “… pass by JUSTICE and the LOVE of GOD …” (meaning the tithing did NOT fulfil the ‘Justice and Love of God’ part) which in these Verses ONLY REFERS to the ALMSGIVING/CHARITY LIFESTYLE so clearly ‘as it is Written’.
5) There is an ‘illusion’ of Charity or Charity of little value (let God Judge) where if done, it brings us in return ‘financial returns of equivalent for doing so’ or ‘charity done with other people’s money’. This point is clear in Christ’s Phrase “… SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; …” in “… “… 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. …”. Yes the phrase “… SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; …” puts the ‘Relative Measure’ aspect (e.g. the ‘Poor Widow’, Luke 21:1 – 4) and points to clearly “Giving/Sharing to Charity/Alms” (i.e. toward anyone in need) from ”what we have” (not from what others give us or with other people’s money) where facilitation is good but not of high value. Example question: If by doing Charity with other people’s money we receive ‘blessing money’ or equivalent and we become ‘rich’ but never gave much from ‘our own money’, then this aspect is not fulfilled much either and is what the Pharisees were doing likewise which the LORD CORRECTED by Teaching them this too clearly here for ‘Inward Cleansing’.
6) Charity/Alms from “what you have” can also mean ‘cheaper prices’ for the ‘services you give for work’ (because others charge higher by economic/racial exploitation) implying you are doing “JUSTICE and the LOVE of GOD” which Christ Speaks off in this Passage. How to know if your services is cheaper (not oppressive or mammon-led)? Significantly lower than what others would charge if they could do the same Level/Quality of Work.
Peace to you
Christian Creed – are we Saved? with a look at St. Irenaeous of Lyons
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161308464357784
“… The Catholic Church possesses one and the same faith throughout the whole world, as we have already said. …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous, Bishop of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD)
1) First Christian Creed = Nicene Creed (Please see image, 325 AD)
To quote regarding Nicene Creed and beyond:
“… The first confession of faith established within Christianity was the Nicene Creed by the Early Church in 325. [9] It was established to summarize the foundations of the Christian faith and to protect believers from false doctrines. Various Christian denominations from Protestantism and Evangelical Christianity have published confession of faith as a basis for fellowship among churches of the same denomination. [10][11] Many Christian denominations did not try to be too exhaustive in their confessions of faith and thus allow different opinions on some secondary topics.[12]In addition, some churches are open to revising their confession of faith when necessary. Moreover, Baptist “confessions of faith” have often had a clause such as this from the First London Baptist Confession (Revised edition, 1646):[13] Also we confess that we now know but in part and that are ignorant of many things which we desire to and seek to know: and if any shall do us that friendly part to show us from the Word of God that we see not, we shall have cause to be thankful to God and to them …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creed
I believe in the Nicene Creed in full.
Source for Image:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nicene_Creed#The_original_Nicene_Creed_of_325
2) Apostle’s Creed (5th Century AD estimate)
“… I believe in God, the Father almighty,
creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord,
who was conceived by the Holy Spirit
and born of the virgin Mary.
He suffered under Pontius Pilate,
was crucified, died, and was buried;
he descended to hell.
The third day he rose again from the dead.
He ascended to heaven
and is seated at the right hand of God the Father almighty.
From there he will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic* church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and the life everlasting. Amen. …”
*that is, the true Christian church of all times and all places
Source: https://www.crcna.org/welcome/beliefs/creeds/apostles-creed
or
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostles%27_Creed
I believe in the Apostle’s Creed in full.
3) Athanasian Creed (most likely 5th or 6th century AD)
“… Whosoever will be saved, before all things it is necessary that he hold the catholic faith. Which faith unless every one do keep whole and undefiled, without doubt he shall perish everlastingly. And the catholic faith is this: that we worship one God in Trinity, and Trinity in Unity; neither confounding the Persons, nor dividing the Essence. For there is one Person of the Father; another of the Son; and another of the Holy Ghost. But the Godhead of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, is all one; the Glory equal, the Majesty coeternal. Such as the Father is; such is the Son; and such is the Holy Ghost. The Father uncreated; the Son uncreated; and the Holy Ghost uncreated. The Father unlimited; the Son unlimited; and the Holy Ghost unlimited. The Father eternal; the Son eternal; and the Holy Ghost eternal. And yet they are not three eternals; but one eternal. As also there are not three uncreated; nor three infinites, but one uncreated; and one infinite. So likewise the Father is Almighty; the Son Almighty; and the Holy Ghost Almighty. And yet they are not three Almighties; but one Almighty. So the Father is God; the Son is God; and the Holy Ghost is God. And yet they are not three Gods; but one God. So likewise the Father is Lord; the Son Lord; and the Holy Ghost Lord. And yet not three Lords; but one Lord. For like as we are compelled by the Christian verity; to acknowledge every Person by himself to be God and Lord; So are we forbidden by the catholic religion; to say, There are three Gods, or three Lords. The Father is made of none; neither created, nor begotten. The Son is of the Father alone; not made, nor created; but begotten. The Holy Ghost is of the Father and of the Son; neither made, nor created, nor begotten; but proceeding. So there is one Father, not three Fathers; one Son, not three Sons; one Holy Ghost, not three Holy Ghosts. And in this Trinity none is before, or after another; none is greater, or less than another. But the whole three Persons are coeternal, and coequal. So that in all things, as aforesaid; the Unity in Trinity, and the Trinity in Unity, is to be worshipped. He therefore that will be saved, let him thus think of the Trinity.
Furthermore, it is necessary to everlasting salvation; that he also believe faithfully the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. For the right Faith is, that we believe and confess; that our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is God and Man; God, of the Substance [Essence] of the Father; begotten before the worlds; and Man, of the Substance [Essence] of his Mother, born in the world. Perfect God; and perfect Man, of a reasonable soul and human flesh subsisting. Equal to the Father, as touching his Godhead; and inferior to the Father as touching his Manhood. Who although he is God and Man; yet he is not two, but one Christ. One; not by conversion of the Godhead into flesh; but by assumption of the Manhood into God. One altogether; not by confusion of Substance [Essence]; but by unity of Person. For as the reasonable soul and flesh is one man; so God and Man is one Christ; Who suffered for our salvation; descended into hell; rose again the third day from the dead. He ascended into heaven, he sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty, from whence he will come to judge the living and the dead. At whose coming all men will rise again with their bodies; And shall give account for their own works. And they that have done good shall go into life everlasting; and they that have done evil, into everlasting fire. This is the catholic faith; which except a man believe truly and firmly, he cannot be saved. …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athanasian_Creed
I believe in the Athanasian Creed in full.
4) Augsburg Confession
This is Blessed Martin Luther (the First Protestant) Team’s Creed (28 Articles of Faith) which I believe in full too as it is described in link below (too many to list here):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augsburg_Confession
An Important Comment: The “Augsburg Confession” itself already Describe that the “Fruit of Salvation” is “Good Works” (not the Cause of it):
“… XX Of Good Works The Lutheran notion of justification by faith does not somehow condemn good works; faith causes them to do good works as a sign of our justification (or salvation), not a requirement for salvation. …” – Augsburg Confession (Article XX in from link above)
Now that’s why we stress on Preaching this Doctrine especially in the Context of the ‘Wise & Foolish’ Virgins too in which the foolish failed to produce these good works and we quote even Blessed Martin Luther himself for this Contextual Understanding of this Parable as it’s described further in free pdf book in link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pBpXxjEa9KhycjzourSd_eEvm7ntrVUM/view?usp=sharing
Here’s Blessed Martin Luther’s Quote found in Book above which agrees to many Church Father’s Interpretation likewise of this parable which is discussed in this Book above:
“… Therefore, let each one see to it that he has these two together: the OIL, which is TRUE FAITH and trust in Christ; and the LAMPS, the VESSEL, which is the OUTWARD SERVICE TOWARD YOUR NEIGHBOR. The WHOLE CHRISTIAN LIFE CONSISTS in THESE TWO THINGS things: BELIEVE GOD. HELP YOUR NEIGHBOR. The WHOLE GOSPEL TEACHES this. PARENTS should TELL IT TO THEIR CHILDREN at HOME and EVERYWHERE. Children, too, should CONSTANTLY FOSTER THIS WORD AMONG THEMSELVES. I should really say something about the sleep of the virgins and about the setting out of the Bridegroom for the wedding. But the hour is late. Another time. May God be gracious to us! Amen. …”- The First Champion of the Protestant Faith, Blessed Martin Luther’s Sermon which was translated in 2013 by the Rev. Paul A. Rydecki, On Faith and Good Works, Preached in Erfurt at St. Michaeliskirche on the Day of the 11,000 Virgins (October 21st), 1522)
Source: http://www.godwithuslc.org/luther-sermon-for-trinity-27/
Conclusion
If you notice carefully:
1) The “everlasting punishment” part in these Creeds only came in late about the 5th century onward as evidenced in the “Athanasian Creed” where both the earlier Creeds of the “Nicene Creed” & “Apostle’s Creed” only mention “Life Everlasting”. So those Christians were saved believing that only. Note: I have no problem believing in the everlasting punishment of the wicked.
2) Roman Catholics like to Quote St. Irenaeous of Lyon’s Holy Catholic Church Faith as follows:
“… The Catholic Church possesses one and the same faith throughout the whole world, as we have already said. …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD)
*Catholic Church = Universal Church (at that time)
3) Here are some parts of that “Universal Faith” which “St. Irenaeous of Lyons” believed in which even some of the Roman Catholics/Orthodox or even Protestants may “not” believe “nor” fully know either, to quote:
St. Irenaeous of Lyons believed in “Chiliasm” which is rejected by the Roman Catholic Church today
“… Millennialism was taught by various earlier writers such as Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Tertullian, Commodian, Lactantius, Methodius, and Apollinaris of Laodicea in a form now called premillennialism.[9] According to religious scholar Rev. Dr. Francis Nigel Lee,[10] “Justin’s ‘Occasional Chiliasm’ sui generis which was strongly anti-pretribulationistic was followed possibly by Pothinus in A.D. 175 and more probably (around 185) by Irenaeus”. … Melito of Sardis is frequently listed as a second century proponent of premillennialism.[12] The support usually given for the supposition is that “Jerome [Comm. on Ezek. 36] and Gennadius [De Dogm. Eccl., Ch. 52] both affirm that he was a decided millenarian.”[13] In the early third century, Hippolytus of Rome … Around 220, there were some similar influences on Tertullian, although only with very important and extremely optimistic (if not perhaps even postmillennial) modifications and implications. On the other hand, “Christian Chiliastic” ideas were indeed advocated in 240 by Commodian; in 250 by the Egyptian Bishop Nepos in his Refutation of Allegorists; in 260 by the almost unknown Coracion; and in 310 by Lactantius. Into the late fourth century, Bishop Ambrose of Milan had millennial leanings (Ambrose of Milan. Book II. On the Belief in the Resurrection, verse 108). Lactantius is the last great literary defender of chiliasm in the early Christian church. …”
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennialism
My bet is on the “Millennialism” or “Chiliasm” Doctrine being True and I don’t condemn Christians who don’t believe in it because:
“… I admitted to you formerly, that I and many others are of this opinion, and [believe] that such will take place, as you assuredly are aware; but, on the other hand, I signified to you that many who belong to the pure and pious faith, and are true Christians, think otherwise. …” – Blessed St. Justin Martyr (c. 100AD – c. 160 AD, Dialogue with Trypho the Jew, Chapter 110)
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennialism
Example Chiliasm Quote (this exact same quote below is also quoted by St. Irenaeous of Lyons in his book ‘Against Heresies’, Book 5, Chapter Chapter XXXVI, Points 1 – 2, 3):
“… As the presbyters say, then those who are deemed worthy of an abode in heaven shall go there, others shall enjoy the delights of Paradise, and others shall possess the splendour of the city; for everywhere the Saviour will be seen, according as they shall be worthy who see Him. But that there is this distinction between the habitation of those who produce an hundredfold, and that of those who produce sixty-fold, and that of those who produce thirty-fold; for the first will be taken up into the heavens, the second class will dwell in Paradise, and the last will inhabit the city; and that on this account the Lord said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions:” …” – Blessed St. Papias, Bishop of Hierapolis, an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of the Blessed St. John the Apostle (c. 60 AD – c. 163 AD)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/papias.html
Roman Catholic “Chiliasm” Rejection example Quote:
“… One popular Catholic apologetic resource states, “As far as the millennium goes, we [Catholics] tend to agree with Augustine and, derivatively, with the amillennialists… . In the 1940s the Holy Office judged that premillennialism ‘cannot safely be taught,’ though the Church has not dogmatically defined this issue.”1 On the other hand, one writer commenting on the history of millennial thought notes, “Following Augustine, the Church had long believed that the reign of the saints foretold by Revelation was already in operation through its own good offices, and shown little enthusiasm for the idea that Christ would return imminently to set up an earthly kingdom: indeed, the Council of Ephesus declared such a belief heretical in 431 …”
Source:
https://bible.org/article/phantom-heresy-did-council-ephesus-431-condemn-chiliasm
Under this Chiliasm Timeline, I considered a possibility that there could be an Unsolved Mystery – Is there Possible Gospel Hope for some Unbelieving Non Christians if Hell is Eternal? in a Free e-Book PDF Link:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_avSqmISwjySSj5rF5v5AoXXNnfIVB6H/view?usp=sharing
Note: I do “not” Teach the above as Doctrine because I’m “not” sure but I just exercise it as a “possibility” in thought these days, nothing more letting God Decide it & I will accept His Decision when He Reveals it One Day either way.
The Biblical Concept that there are AGES to COME literally (Ephesians 2:7) is supported by St. Irenaeous himself (who was a direct Disciple of St. Polycarp who in turn was a Disciple of the Blessed St. John the apostle himself) to quote:
“… we [True Christians] ourselves, when at the giving of thanks we pronounce the words, “To Aeons of Aeons” [Revelation 20:10] do set forth these Aeons. And, in fine, wherever the words Aeon or Aeons occur, they at once refer them to these beings. …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous, Bishop of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Chapter III, Book I)
Translation Source:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book1.html
Comment: St. Irenaeous clearly refers to time as the “Aeon” (singular) and “Aeons” (Plural) in his last quote above & dispels the Gnostic Myth that these refer to some creatures (beings). So the next ‘age (Aeon/Olam) to come’ is followed by at least one more age/aeon/olam to come due to ‘plural’ usage in Scripture in Ephesians 2:7.
This brings up the “Possibility” that the “Aeonian Judgment” in Matthew 25:31 – 46 may refer to ‘Judgment to that Age’ instead of ‘eternity’ where the ‘Aeonian Life’ likewise might be compared in contrast granted to the righteous in that age. It in no way limits the “Eternal” Life which continues into the “ages to come” by Christ to us. However is such an interpretation of ‘possible’ Universalism possible from St. Irenaeous’ writings? (since we are quoting the ‘same Catholic Faith’ as St. Irenaeous as per quote at the start). Indeed, here is a “possible” one:
“… Christ, who was called the Son of God before the ages [Aeons], was manifested in the fulness of time, in order that He might cleanse us through His blood, who were under the power of sin, presenting us as pure sons to His Father, if we yield ourselves obediently to the chastisement of the Spirit. And in the end of time He shall come to do away with all evil, and to reconcile all things [Colossians 1:16, 20], in order that there may be an end of all impurities. … ” – Blessed St. Irenaeous, Bishop of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, Fragment XXXIX, FRAGMENTS FROM THE LOST WRITINGS OF IRENAEUS)
Translation Source:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-fragments.html
Comment: In light of St. Irenaeous understanding the concept of “ages to come” likewise, it’s possible that he believed in Christ Centered Universalism as the quote above shows. Also, his other “Eternal Punishment” type of quotes may thus refer to the “Aeonian Judgment” meant to that particular Aeon & mistranslated as Eternal in English if this interpretation is true. So, that’s why I don’t Teach this part as Doctrine because I don’t know which is the True Meaning of this Original Koine Greek Word in this usage but most likely the traditional eternal Hell interpretation may be true as most Christians believe that. I let God Decide One Day and accept His Decision either way (1 Corinthians 4:5).
iii) Shadow of Death
“… For as the Lord “went away in the midst of the SHADOW of DEATH” [Ps. 23:4], where the SOULS of the DEAD were …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous, Bishop of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c, 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Book 5, Chapter XXXI:2)
Source: http://www.regels.org/Irenaeus-Millennarism.htm
St. Irenaeous clearly believes that the “Shadow of Death” phrase refers to the Spirit World Context (Definition) in his quote above based on which other Bible Verses using that same phrase can mean possible Salvation from Hades (Hell now) as discussed in link below (too much details to quote here):
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161305859262784
Some Protestants celebrate “Unitarian” Doctrines which deny the “Classical Trinity Concept” but have ‘their own trinity versions’ in contrast to St. Irenaeous of Lyons who is clearly a Classical Trinitarian:
“… For “the beginning” is in the Father, and of the Father, while “the Word” is in the beginning, and of the beginning. Very properly, then, did he say, “In the beginning was the Word,” for He was in the Son; “and the Word was with God,” for He was the beginning; “and the Word was God,” of course, for that which is begotten of God is God. … The fallacy, then, of this exposition is manifest. For when John, proclaiming one God, the Almighty, and one Jesus Christ, the Only-begotten, by whom all things were made, declares that this was the Son of God, this the Only-begotten, this the Former of all things, this the true Light who enlighteneth every man this the Creator of the world, this He that came to His own, this He that became flesh and dwelt among us …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous, Bishop of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c, 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Book I, Chapter VIII, Point 5 & Chapter IX, Point 2)
Source:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book1.html
or
“… “The Church, though dispersed throughout the whole world, even to the ends of the earth, has received from the apostles and their disciples this faith: . . . one God, the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are in them; and in one Christ Jesus, the Son of God, who became incarnate for our salvation; and in the Holy Spirit, who proclaimed through the prophets the dispensations of God, and the advents, and the birth from a virgin, and the passion, and the resurrection from the dead, and the ascension into heaven in the flesh of the beloved Christ Jesus, our Lord, and His manifestation from heaven in the glory of the Father ‘to gather all things in one,’ and to raise up anew all flesh of the whole human race, in order that to Christ Jesus, our Lord, and God, and Savior, and King, according to the will of the invisible Father, ‘every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, and that every tongue should confess; to him, and that He should execute just judgment towards all . …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous, Bishop of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c, 202 AD, (Against Heresies X.l) )
Source:
https://carm.org/doctrine-and-theology/early-trinitarian-quotes-the-doctrine-of-the-trinity/
Example quote:
“… For all these and other words were unquestionably spoken in reference to the resurrection of the just, which takes place after the coming of Antichrist, and the destruction of all nations under his rule; in [the times of] which [resurrection] the righteous shall reign in the earth, waxing stronger by the sight of the Lord: and through Him they shall become accustomed to partake in the glory of God the Father, and shall enjoy in the kingdom intercourse and communion with the holy angels, and union with spiritual beings; and [with respect to] those whom the Lord shall find in the flesh, awaiting Him from heaven, and who have suffered tribulation, as well as escaped the hands of the Wicked one which, when they overcome they are crowned with incorruption. …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, ‘Against Heresies’, Book 5, Chapter XXXV, Point 1)
Translation Source:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/irenaeus-book5.html
St. Irenaeous clearly believed in Post-Tribulation Rapture but sometimes is misquoted by ‘Pre-tribulation rapture believers’ as it’s discussed in detail in post in link below:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159508215297784
or
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159543696882784
Even the Protestant Reformers all believed in Post-Tribulation Rapture and thus if the foolish virgins refers to ‘those who didn’t believe in Pre-Trib Rapture’ as some modern churches claim, then neither is Martin Luther (the first Protestant), John Calvin (authour of 5-Point Calvinism) or even John Wesley (founder of Methodism) or Charles Spurgeon (the Prince of Preachers) is saved because each of these believed in “Post-Tribulation Rapture” only as discussed further in link below:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10160859868082784
St. Irenaeous accepted the ‘Shepherd of Hermas’ Writing as “Scripture”, to quote:
“… Truly, then, the Scripture declared, which says, “First of all believe that there is one God, who has established all things, and completed them, and having caused that from what had no being, all things should come into existence. He who contains all things, and is Himself contained by no one.” [Book 2, First Commandment, of the Shepherd of Hermas]. Rightly also has Malachi said among the prophets: “Is it not one God who hath established us? Have we not all one Father?” …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD, 4.20.2. of Adversus Haereses)
Source: http://www.ntcanon.org/Irenaeus.shtml
Please notice that this same ‘Shepherd of Hermas’ (which if Scripture according to the First Bible Canon called the Muratorian Canon*) has the following Verse describing “Purgatory” (for some, which includes the ‘unbaptized’ as well which opens up some possibilities of the ‘non-Elect Salvation’ discussed earlier which may just be a ‘General Salvation’ as opposed to the ‘Elect Salvation’ full of Glory), example quote:
“… Do you wish to know who are the others which fell near the waters, but could not be rolled into them? These are they who have heard the word, and wish to be baptized in the name of the Lord; but when the chastity demanded by the truth comes into their recollection, they draw back, and again walk after their own wicked desires.” .She finished her exposition of the tower. But I, shameless as I yet was, asked her, “Is repentance possible for all those stones which have been cast away and did not fit into the building of the tower, and will they yet have a place in this tower?” “Repentance,” said she, “is yet possible, but in this tower they cannot find a suitable place. But in another and much inferior place they will be laid, and that, too, only when they have been tortured and completed the days of their sins. And on this account will they be transferred, because they have partaken of the righteous Word. And then only will they be removed from their punishments when the thought of repenting of the evil deeds which they have done has come into their hearts. But if it does not come into their hearts, they will not be saved, on account of the hardness of their heart.” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Chapter VII, Third Vision, Translated by another Well Known Scholar Mr. Roberts-Donaldson)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
A detailed discussion is given in link below:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/101594398203927 84
St. Irenaeous is “not” the only one who saw the ‘Shepherd of Hermas’ as Scripture but many till today too as the post below gives such a historical view in detail:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159121203392784
vii) Charity Doctrine
St. Irenaeous clearly believed in the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle:
“… As long as any one has the means of doing good to his neighbours, and does not do so, he shall be reckoned a stranger to the love of the Lord. …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp who is an Apostolic Father being the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD)
Source: https://quotestats.com/topic/irenaeus-quotes/
Summary
So these examples especially the first one which is for certain itself proves that neither the Roman Catholic/Orthodox Christians are believing in “Chiliasm” generally “nor” are some protestants believing the Shepherd of Hermas as Scripture or his other quotes here but are using St. Irenaeous of Lyon’s quote of “following his same Catholic Faith” at his time which is clearly a “fallacy”.
Also, these gray areas of what exactly St. Irenaeous believed in these aspects do “not” affect Salvation of a believer as the earlier Creeds itself have shown.
Last but not least, please notice carefully that “eschatology doctrines” (Endtime Prophecy Timeline Studies) are NOT listed in any of these Creeds meaning getting it right on interpretation on such things do “not” affect Salvation at all. The most famous example would be Blessed Martin Luther the First Protestant himself who didn’t even believe in the Book of Revelation as Scripture but allowed it because other Christians believed so:
“… “To my mind it (the book of the Apocalypse) bears upon it no marks of an apostolic or prophetic character… Everyone may form his own judgment of this book; as for myself, I feel an aversion to it, and to me this is sufficient reason for rejecting it.” …” – Blessed Martin Luther, First Champion of the Protestant Faith
Source (with Luther’s Original Words in full discussed from a Reformed Protestant Quote link too in link below):
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159503396462784
May God have Mercy on whomever He Wills.
“… The Catholic Church possesses one and the same faith throughout the whole world, as we have already said. …” – Blessed St. Irenaeous, Bishop of Lyons, a Hearer of Blessed St. Polycarp the Disciple of Blessed St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation (c. 130 AD – c. 202 AD)
Please also carefully note that St. Irenaeous of Lyons DOES NOT HAVE ONE PRAYER to “Virgin MARY” NOR the “saints” in any of his writings “NOR” any iconography which proves that these have NOTHING to do with the TRUE ORIGINAL CATHOLIC (UNIVERSAL) Christian Faith.
This also proves that the Roman Catholic/Orthodox have “not” changed St. Irenaeous’ writings as some protestants claim because some of the difference in their theology itself is evident clearly in his writings quoted here.
Let’s see if St. Irenaeous was believing the heresy or the modern church in which it differs One Day when God Reveals it.
Peace to you
Abundant Life, Wedding Garment and Spiritually Rich Mystery
i) The “Abundant Life” Christ Came to Give is Spiritual (John 10:10) and does “not” include the Abundance in Materialism (Luke 12:15) and the latter who do “not” share via the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle are “Spiritually Poor” (Luke 12:21):
“… The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have LIFE, and that they may have it more ABUNDANTLY. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:10, NKJV)
“… Take heed and beware of covetousness, for ONE’S LIFE DOES NOT consist in the ABUNDANCE of the THINGS he POSSESSES.” … So is he who LAYS UP TREASURE FOR HIMSELF, and is NOT RICH TOWARD GOD …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:15, 21, NKJV)
Comment: Luke 12:15 clearly Defines that the Abundant life Christ Spoke of does “not” include the physical part even if one is blessed with an abundance of it. Christ’s Words in John 10:10’s abundant life, Christ’s explanation in Luke 12:15 of abundant life as “Spiritual Life” with “no” physical blessing implied, and Luke 12:21 continues that without sharing such hoarders are Spiritually Poor too, His Words only quoted here.
ii) Spiritually Poor Church = Prosperity Church with health and wealth but “no” Works of Sharing & Giving:
“… 15“I KNOW YOUR WORKS, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16So then, because YOU ARE LUKEWARM, and neither [k]cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17Because you say, ‘I AM RICH, HAVE BECOME WEALTHY, and HAVE NEED OF NOTHING’—and do not know that YOU ARE WRETCHED, MISERABLE, POOR, BLIND, AND NAKED— 18I counsel you to BUY FROM ME GOLD REFINED IN THE FIRE, that YOU MAY BE RICH; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:15 – 18, NKJV)
iii) Literally Poor Christians but Spiritually Rich
“… Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “BLESSED are YOU POOR, For YOURS is the KINGDOM of GOD. …” (Luke 6:20, NKJV)
“… Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not CHOSEN the POOR of THIS WORLD to be RICH IN FAITH and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? …” (James 2:5, NKJV)
“… 9“I know your works, TRIBULATION, and POVERTY (but YOU ARE RICH); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a [e]synagogue of Satan. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:9, NKJV)
iv) Poor in Spirit Christians as those rich Christians who share their earthly goods only
“… 3“Blessed are the POOR in SPIRIT, For theirs is the KINGDOM of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:3, NKJV)
“… 17COMMAND THOSE WHO ARE RICH in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18Let THEM DO GOOD, that they be RICH IN GOOD WORKS, READY TO GIVE, WILLING TO SHARE, 19storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that THEY MAY LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE. …” (1 Timothy 6:17 – 19, NKJV)
Please note the last phrase “… that THEY MAY LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE. …” which makes this “Command” (not option) for “ETERNAL LIFE” for the ‘Rich Christians’ to Practice the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle according to Relative Measure. Please don’t be deceived.
v) Poor in Spirit = those who share earthly goods with the poor and the literally poor (but rich in faith) Christians in a First Christianity Quote:
“… 401 8r,3 But he does not know that the Old Testament also says, “The poor and the rich have met together: but the Lord is the maker of them both.” 402 And the New Testament agrees, and pronounces a BLESSING on the POOR who are LITERALLY POOR, and in ANOTHER PASSAGE a BLESSING on the POOR in SPIRIT, so that BOTH PRONOUNCEMENTS have FORCE. Thus Peter can point with pride to his LITERAL POVERTY and say, “Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, I give thee; in the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk,” 403 (4) so that the BLESSING of the ACTUALLY POOR means NOTHING CONTRADICTORY to the BLESSING of the POOR IN SPIRIT. The “POOR in SPIRIT” are persons in RIGHTEOUS POSSESSION of PROPERTY, while the “poor” are the humble, of whom Christ said, “I was an hungered, and YE GAVE ME MEAT, thirsty, and YE GAVE me DRINK,” and so on 81,5 Next he explains, ‘These (i.e., the POOR in SPIRIT) ACTED of THEIR ABUNDANCE”; … And do you see how, in the Old and the New Testaments, the poor are called blessed for piety, and the rich are called blessed for righteousness? …” – Blessed St. Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis and the ‘Hammer of Heretics’, (c. 310 AD – c. 403 AD, ‘MANICHAEANS’ , “Panarion or Medicine-Chest”, Point 62.10, Pages 308 – 309)
vi) White Garment = Wedding Garment = Holiness + Good Works in Action (e.g. Charity Doctrine Lifestyle) = Mystery of “For MANY are CALLED, but FEW are CHOSEN.”
“… 11“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who DID NOT HAVE on a WEDDING GARMENT. 12So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, [b]take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14“For MANY are CALLED, but FEW are CHOSEN.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:11 – 14, NKJV)
“… He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. …” (Revelation 3:5, NKJV)
“White Garment” = “Good Works in Action” (“Overcomers”, not holiness only), Verse:
“… 7Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8And to her it was granted to be ARRAYED IN FINE LINEN, CLEAN AND BRIGHT, for the FINE LINEN is the RIGHTEOUS ACTS OF THE SAINTS. 9Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” . …” (Revelation 19:7 – 9, NKJV)
Conclusion
The Devil Steals Treasure in heaven and kills one’s spiritual life by giving “abundance in materialism” which is NOT SHARED, Verses: Matthew 4:8 – 9, Psalms 73:3 – 5, 7, 12 compared against the “treasure in heavens via the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” (Luke 12:30 – 34) and “Inward/Heart Cleansing from GREED and WICKEDNESS via Almsgiving” (Luke 11:39 – 41) which both CHRIST TAUGHT DIRECTLY, Verses:
“… 31“But SEEK HIS KINGDOM, and THESE THINGS will be ADDED TO YOU. 32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. 33“SELL YOUR POSSESSIONS and GIVE TO CHARITY; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an UNFAILING TREASURE IN HEAVEN, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. 34“For where your treasure is, there YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO. 35“Be dressed in readiness, and KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:31 – 35, NASB)
“… 39Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and DISH CLEAN, but YOUR INWARD PART is full of [k]GREED and WICKEDNESS. 40FOOLISH ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. 42“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by JUSTICE and the LOVE of GOD These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 43Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the [m]best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44Woe to you, [n]scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 45, NKJV)
Peace to you
Abundant Life, Wedding Garment and Spiritually Rich Mystery
“… The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have LIFE, and that they may have it more ABUNDANTLY. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 10:10, NKJV)
“… Take heed and beware of covetousness, for ONE’S LIFE DOES NOT consist in the ABUNDANCE of the THINGS he POSSESSES.” … So is he who LAYS UP TREASURE FOR HIMSELF, and is NOT RICH TOWARD GOD …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:15, 21, NKJV)
Comment: Luke 12:15 clearly Defines that the Abundant life Christ Spoke of does “not” include the physical part even if one is blessed with an abundance of it. Christ’s Words in John 10:10’s abundant life, Christ’s explanation in Luke 12:15 of abundant life as “Spiritual Life” with “no” physical blessing implied, and Luke 12:21 continues that without sharing such hoarders are Spiritually Poor too, His Words only quoted here.
“… 15“I KNOW YOUR WORKS, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16So then, because YOU ARE LUKEWARM, and neither [k]cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17Because you say, ‘I AM RICH, HAVE BECOME WEALTHY, and HAVE NEED OF NOTHING’—and do not know that YOU ARE WRETCHED, MISERABLE, POOR, BLIND, AND NAKED— 18I counsel you to BUY FROM ME GOLD REFINED IN THE FIRE, that YOU MAY BE RICH; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:15 – 18, NKJV)
iii) Literally Poor Christians but Spiritually Rich
“… Then He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples, and said: “BLESSED are YOU POOR, For YOURS is the KINGDOM of GOD. …” (Luke 6:20, NKJV)
“… Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not CHOSEN the POOR of THIS WORLD to be RICH IN FAITH and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him? …” (James 2:5, NKJV)
“… 9“I know your works, TRIBULATION, and POVERTY (but YOU ARE RICH); and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are a [e]synagogue of Satan. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 2:9, NKJV)
“… 3“Blessed are the POOR in SPIRIT, For theirs is the KINGDOM of HEAVEN. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 5:3, NKJV)
“… 17COMMAND THOSE WHO ARE RICH in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18Let THEM DO GOOD, that they be RICH IN GOOD WORKS, READY TO GIVE, WILLING TO SHARE, 19storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that THEY MAY LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE. …” (1 Timothy 6:17 – 19, NKJV)
Please note the last phrase “… that THEY MAY LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE. …” which makes this “Command” (not option) for “ETERNAL LIFE” for the ‘Rich Christians’ to Practice the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle according to Relative Measure. Please don’t be deceived.
“… 401 8r,3 But he does not know that the Old Testament also says, “The poor and the rich have met together: but the Lord is the maker of them both.” 402 And the New Testament agrees, and pronounces a BLESSING on the POOR who are LITERALLY POOR, and in ANOTHER PASSAGE a BLESSING on the POOR in SPIRIT, so that BOTH PRONOUNCEMENTS have FORCE. Thus Peter can point with pride to his LITERAL POVERTY and say, “Silver and gold have I none, but what I have, I give thee; in the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk,” 403 (4) so that the BLESSING of the ACTUALLY POOR means NOTHING CONTRADICTORY to the BLESSING of the POOR IN SPIRIT. The “POOR in SPIRIT” are persons in RIGHTEOUS POSSESSION of PROPERTY, while the “poor” are the humble, of whom Christ said, “I was an hungered, and YE GAVE ME MEAT, thirsty, and YE GAVE me DRINK,” and so on 81,5 Next he explains, ‘These (i.e., the POOR in SPIRIT) ACTED of THEIR ABUNDANCE”; … And do you see how, in the Old and the New Testaments, the poor are called blessed for piety, and the rich are called blessed for righteousness? …” – Blessed St. Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis and the ‘Hammer of Heretics’, (c. 310 AD – c. 403 AD, ‘MANICHAEANS’ , “Panarion or Medicine-Chest”, Point 62.10, Pages 308 – 309)
“… He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. …” (Revelation 3:5, NKJV)
“White Garment” = “Good Works in Action” (“Overcomers”, not holiness only), Verse:
“… 7Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8And to her it was granted to be ARRAYED IN FINE LINEN, CLEAN AND BRIGHT, for the FINE LINEN is the RIGHTEOUS ACTS OF THE SAINTS. 9Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” . …” (Revelation 19:7 – 9, NKJV)
Conclusion
The Devil Steals Treasure in heaven and kills one’s spiritual life by giving “abundance in materialism” which is NOT SHARED, Verses: Matthew 4:8 – 9, Psalms 73:3 – 5, 7, 12 compared against the “treasure in heavens via the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” (Luke 12:30 – 34) and “Inward/Heart Cleansing from GREED and WICKEDNESS via Almsgiving” (Luke 11:39 – 41) which both CHRIST TAUGHT DIRECTLY, Verses:
“… 31“But SEEK HIS KINGDOM, and THESE THINGS will be ADDED TO YOU. 32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. 33“SELL YOUR POSSESSIONS and GIVE TO CHARITY; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an UNFAILING TREASURE IN HEAVEN, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. 34“For where your treasure is, there YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO. 35“Be dressed in readiness, and KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:31 – 35, NASB)
“… 39Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and DISH CLEAN, but YOUR INWARD PART is full of [k]GREED and WICKEDNESS. 40FOOLISH ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. 42“But woe to you Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by JUSTICE and the LOVE of GOD These you ought to have done, without leaving the others undone. 43Woe to you Pharisees! For you love the [m]best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces. 44Woe to you, [n]scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like graves which are not seen, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 45, NKJV)
Peace to you
Mystery of Many Called Few Chosen
When Christ Spoke ‘of Many are called but Few Chosen’, He was not talking about earthly Prosperity or Equivalent in Verses below, but rather the context of the “few Chosen” is they that would have the “Wedding Garment” (so what’s the ‘Wedding Garment Definition’? Let’s see with “Bible Verses” next & not the deceptive opinions of men):
White Garment = Wedding Garment = Holiness + Good Works in Action (e.g. Charity Doctrine Lifestyle) = Mystery of “For MANY are CALLED, but FEW are CHOSEN.”
“… 11“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who DID NOT HAVE on a WEDDING GARMENT. 12So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, [b]take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14“For MANY are CALLED, but FEW are CHOSEN.” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:11 – 14, NKJV)
“White Garment” = ‘those names in the BOOK of LIFE’ (so let’s learn its Definition with Scripture and not mislead others by claiming something which is NOT WRITTEN in BIBLE VERSES)
“… He who overcomes shall be clothed in WHITE GARMENTS, and I will not blot out his name from the BOOK of LIFE; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. …” (Revelation 3:5, NKJV)
“White Garment” = “Good Works in Action” (“Overcomers”, not holiness only), Verse:
“… 7Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8And to her it was granted to be ARRAYED IN FINE LINEN, CLEAN AND BRIGHT, for the FINE LINEN is the RIGHTEOUS ACTS OF THE SAINTS. 9Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’ ” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” . …” (Revelation 19:7 – 9, NKJV)
Peace to you
White Garments – Faith Alone didn’t give this Church White Garments and Christ Didn’t Correct their Belief Statements but Works
Verses (please notice the phrase ” WHITE GARMENTS” carefully in Verse 18 below):
“… 15“I KNOW YOUR WORKS, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot. 16So then, because YOU ARE LUKEWARM, and neither [k]cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth. 17Because you say, ‘I AM RICH, HAVE BECOME WEALTHY, and HAVE NEED OF NOTHING’—and do not know that YOU ARE WRETCHED, MISERABLE, POOR, BLIND, AND NAKED— 18I counsel you to BUY FROM ME GOLD REFINED IN THE FIRE, that YOU MAY BE RICH; and WHITE GARMENTS that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Revelation 3:15 – 18, NKJV)
Why is this Important? Only those with “WHITE GARMENTS” have their names “Written” in the “BOOK of LIFE” to escape the “Lake of Fire”, Verses:
“… He who OVERCOMES shall be clothed in WHITE GARMENTS, and I will not blot out his name from the BOOK OF LIFE; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. …” (Revelation 3:5, NKJV)
“… And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. …” (Revelation 20:15, NKJV)
More details in links below:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161310167052784
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161300030187784
I think Quoting this Verse incompletely must the most famous and most common “Prosperity Gospel Fallacy” of all time (Example shown in image). Half Verse, half truth to no avail (incomplete).
.
Peace to you
Christ Said that “Prostitutes” and “Tax Collectors” believed in “John (the Baptist)” and are Saved to Enter God’s Kingdom
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161320572062784
Verse:
“… JESUS SAID TO THEM, “Assuredly, I say to you that TAX COLLECTORS AND HARLOTS ENTER the KINGDOM OF GOD BEFORE YOU. 32For JOHN [the Baptist*] came to you in the WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, and YOU DID NOT BELIEVE HIM; but TAX COLLECTORS AND HARLOTS BELIEVED HIM; and when you saw it, you did not afterward [f]relent and BELIEVE HIM. …” (Matthew 21:31 – 32, NKJV)
*[Emphasis Mine]
Now what “…WAY OF RIGHTEOUSNESS …” did St. John the Baptist Preach?
1) Believe in Lord Jesus Christ
“… 24Now those who were sent were from the Pharisees. 25And they asked him, saying, “Why then do you baptize if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26JOHN [the Baptist] ANSWERED THEM, SAYING, “I baptize with water, but there STANDS ONE AMONG YOU WHOM YOU DO NOT KNOW. 27It is He who, coming after me, [i]is preferred before me, WHOSE SANDAL STRAP I AM NOT WORTHY TO LOOSE.” 28These things were done in [j]Bethabara beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29The next day JOHN [the Baptist] SAW JESUS COMING TOWARD HIM, and said, “Behold! The LAMB OF GOD who TAKES AWAY THE SIN OF THE WORLD! 30This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man who [k]is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ …” (John 1:24 – 30, NKJV)
St. John the Baptist, the ForeRunner for Christ was the greatest man to be born of a woman as he was the ‘Elijah to come’ and others will only exceed his earthly righteousness only when they’re perfected and enter the Kingdom of God (as Christ Explains in Verses next) who despite being this super-holy penniless virgin in the desert, Testified about Christ that even he, ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST IS NOT EVEN WORTHY TO UNTIE CHRIST’S SANDLES (John 1:27 above) showing that the MASTER, LORD JESUS CHRIST HIMSELF has NO EQUAL even remotely, Verses:
“… 11“Assuredly, I say to you, AMONG THOSE BORN OF WOMEN there has NOT RISEN ONE GREATER THAN JOHN THE BAPTIST; but he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12And from the days of JOHN THE BAPTIST until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. 13For ALL THE PROPHETS AND THE LAW PROPHESIED UNTIL JOHN. 14And if you are willing to receive it, he is ELIJAH WHO IS TO COME. 15He who has ears to hear, let him hear! …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 11:11 – 15, NKJV)
Note: the Title “John the Baptist” is Given or Uttered by Christ Himself in Verses above.
2) Preach Repentance with Action beginning with the Practice of the “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” (Lifestyle of Giving/Sharing) to being “Content with one’s Salary” (No Prosperity seeking thoughts/action for enjoyment), i.e. ‘Carry one’s Cross’.
“… [7Then he said to the multitudes that came out to be baptized by him], “Brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8Therefore bear FRUITS WORTHY OF REPENTANCE, and do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones. 9And even now the AX IS LAID TO THE ROOT OF THE TREES. Therefore EVERY TREE which DOES NOT BEAR GOOD FRUIT Is cut down and THROWN INTO THE FIRE.” 10So the people asked him, saying, “What shall we do then?” 11He answered and said to them, “HE WHO HAS TWO TUNICS, let him GIVE TO HIM WHO HAS NONE; and HE WHO HAS FOOD, LET HIM DO LIKEWISE.” 12Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13And he said to them, “COLLECT NO MORE THAN WHAT IS APPOINTED FOR YOU.” 14Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “DO NOT INTIMIDATE ANYONE or ACCUSE FALSELY, and BE CONTENT WITH YOUR WAGES. …” – Answers by Blessed St. John the Baptist, ForeRunner for Christ (Luke 3:7 – 14, NKJV)
Comments (please notice from the above):
“… What shall we do then?” 11He answered and said to them, “HE WHO HAS TWO TUNICS, let him GIVE TO HIM WHO HAS NONE; and HE WHO HAS FOOD, LET HIM DO LIKEWISE.” …” – Blessed St. John the Baptist, ForeRunner for Christ (Luke 3:10 – 11, NKJV)
“… 12Then tax collectors also came to be baptized, and said to him, “Teacher, what shall we do?” 13And he said to them, “COLLECT NO MORE THAN WHAT IS APPOINTED FOR YOU.” …” Blessed St. John the Baptist, ForeRunner for Christ (Luke 3:12 – 13, NKJV)
iii. A life of CONTENTMENT (i.e. “no” Prosperity seeking type of faith but a Contentment type of True Faith)
“… 14Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, “And what shall we do?” So he said to them, “DO NOT INTIMIDATE ANYONE or ACCUSE FALSELY, and BE CONTENT WITH YOUR WAGES. …” – Blessed St. John the Baptist, ForeRunner for Christ (Luke 3:14, NKJV)
Conclusion
Christ Implied a similar life of “JUSTICE and LOVE OF GOD” when scolding the Pharisees as the “Almsgiving or Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” as it’s detailed out in post in link below:
https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10161318269272784/
If you read the Gospels carefully, you will realize that the Bible does “not” record any other “sermon” of St. John the Baptist meaning that this is the ‘True Message of Repentance’ since if St. John the Baptist, the ForeRunner for Christ Himself had any other important message, it would have been recorded in Holy Scripture. If anyone says otherwise, please prove it with Scripture or “Bible Verses” and again you may see that it’s either the message above repeated in essence or nothing else. Hence we strive to Believe and Preach this same Repentance Message in the New Testament Scripture by John the Baptist as CHRIST HIMSELF said to “BELIEVE HIM”.
Peace to you
Purgatory Possibility – Have we Erred? Through the Eyes of one of the Greatest Christian Saint in History Blessed St. Augustine of Hippo
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161320954287784
Blessed Martin Luther (the First Protestant) had some serious issues as is evident by his example quote here:
“… “Such honour and glory have I by the grace of God whether it be to the taste or not of the devil and his brood that, since the days of the Apostles, no doctor, scribe, theologian or lawyer has confirmed, instructed and comforted the consciences of the secular Estates so well and lucidly as I have done by the peculiar grace of God. Of this I am confident. For neither St. Augustine nor St. Ambrose, who are the greatest authorities in this field, are here equal to me. . . . Such fame as this must be and remain known to God and to men even should they go raving mad over it. …” – Blessed Martin Luther, the First Protestant [Verantwortung der auffgelegten Auffrur, 1533] (in Grisar, ibid., vol. 5, 59-60)
Source:
Comment: If God can use ‘Martin Luther’ who spoke like the quote above (and more badly too in self-exaltation in other quotes in link above) and ‘every protestant accepts him’ (common ground), then I think shouldn’t condemn one denomination to another based on ‘doctrinal interpretations alone especially eschatology (or end time prophecy interpretation because these haven’t occurred yet)’ and only condemn denominations or Christians who preach that sin is okay (e.g. LGBT lifestyle or some cults like Mormons, Jehovah Witness etc.). Also please notice that even “Blessed Martin Luther uses the title ‘saint’ for St. Augustine of Hippo or St. Ambrose of Milan’ in his quote above” and so we can too without being condemned for such usage by fellow uninformed protestants.
The first Lutherans in general had more respect for the “Church Fathers” (even if the Church Fathers could be doctrinally wrong from their view point) and must certainly view them as “saved” despite “differences in doctrine”, to quote regarding the ‘Lutheran Book of Concord’:
“… The Lutheran Church did not start in the 1500s, but is the continuation of the one catholic (universal) Church, including everyone who taught and believed the one catholic faith. In The Book of Concord, the Early Church fathers are referenced and quoted in every confessional document (except the Small Catechism). Here are all the ones mentioned: Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, and Tertullian from the second century. Origen, Cyprian, Anthony of Egypt, Athanasius, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa, John Chrysostom, Cyril of Alexandria, Hilary of Poitiers, Jerome, Ambrose, Augustine, and Leo I covered the third, fourth, and fifth centuries .Gregory I, Bede, and John of Damascus from the sixth, seventh, and eighth centuries. These men taught and wrote throughout the Roman Empire: from Judea to England; from northern Africa to Italy and Asia Minor. They are the leading teachers of the whole Church throughout the first eight centuries of Christian history, and the Lutherans claim them as their fathers in the faith. … Quoting the Early Church fathers does not imply that Christian teaching is founded on the authority of men (Catalog of Testimonies, Conclusion). Lutherans hold the Scriptures to be “the only true standard or norm by which all teachers and doctrines are to be judged” (Formula, Solid Declaration, Summary, 3). But those teachers and doctrines that are judged true should also be appreciated and used. The Christian faith did not originate with us. The Christian faith is handed on from one generation of saints to the next, as each generation holds to Scripture. There is so much we can learn from the faithful teachers of the ancient Church, for we are all part of the same catholic Church. They should not be strangers to us. If we are truly Lutheran, then they are truly our fathers. …”
Source:
https://lutheranreformation.org/history/lutherans-early-church-fathers/
Note: If you see carefully, many of the “Church Fathers” here are the ‘same ones’ I quote frequently in many of my writings. The argument of ‘who could be right is open’ but condemning each other due to these doctrinal differences may be a “Prideful” attitude rather than an edifying one (because one could be wrong on other doctrinal points too). For me, if a ‘possibility of doctrine’ is taught which is “not” found in any of these “listed Church Fathers” here, then it’s most likely a “Christian cult”. This might be the safest way Scripturally as it’s Described next.
1) So, is a “Possibility” position Scriptural?
Disclaimer: “Possibility” means we do not Teach it as Doctrine but also we don’t simply throw words against such a belief because if it turns out to be true either way, we may have to give “account”:
“… 35A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. 36But I say unto you, That EVERY IDLE WORD that men shall speak, they shall GIVE ACCOUNT thereof in the DAY of JUDGMENT. 37For by THY WORDS thou shalt be JUSTIFIED, and by THY WORDS thou shalt be CONDEMNED. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:35 – 37, KJV)
Also, admitting that “we don’t know for sure” when we ‘truly are not sure’ is a sign of “Truth” under “Honesty” since Christ Himself Implied in Verses below in the “Context of Judgment”, Verses:
“… 39And Jesus said, “For JUDGMENT I have come into this world, that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may be made blind.” 40Then some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words, and said to Him, “Are we BLIND also?” 41JESUS said to them, “If YOU WERE BLIND, YOU WOULD HAVE NO SIN; but now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains. …” (John 9:39 – 41, NKJV)
Note: Christ is Clearly Stating the “Judgment” part “… If YOU WERE BLIND, YOU WOULD HAVE NO SIN …” in the Context of ‘Spiritual Blindness’ because He is Responding to the Pharisees’ statement of “… Are we BLIND also? …” which clearly is not physical-blindness referred to but spiritual-blindness where ‘Spiritual Blindness (i.e. not knowing accurately spiritually) can mean no sin’ but wrongly ‘acting like knowing it all as per the Pharisees here is dangerous because if one is wrong-in-this-way, it can merit sin’ as Christ Clearly Demonstrates here.
2) Which Church Fathers who matter to Protestants believed in Purgatory? Example: St. Augustine of Hippo.
Martin Luther (the First Protestant) compared himself to him:
“… “I wrote so usefully and splendidly concerning the secular authorities as no teacher has ever done since Apostolic times, save perhaps St. Augustine; of this I may boast with a good conscience, relying on the testimony of the whole world. …” – Blessed Martin Luther [Vom Kriege widder die Turcken, 1529]
Source:
Martin Luther must have believed that both St. Augustine is saved for sure to quote like this.
Yes, It is to be noted that even the most conservative of the reformed theologians would be aware of their founder Blessed John Calvin approved of Blessed St. Augustine of Hippo to be ‘Saved’, to quote:
“… Augustine is so wholly within me, that if I wished to write a confession of my faith, I could do so with all fullness and satisfaction to myself out of his writings …” – Blessed John Calvin, Protestant Reformer Theologian (Creator of the Five Point Calvinism or Tulips Doctrine for Protestanism)
Source: Calvin, John. A Treatise on the Eternal Predestination of God. in Calvin, John (1987). Calvin’s Calvinism. Translated by Henry Cole. Grandville, MI: Reformed Free Publishing Association. p. 38
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustinian_Calvinism
“… “There is an ecclesiastical discipline, as the faithful know, when the names of the martyrs are read aloud in that place at the altar of God, where prayer is not offered for them. Prayer, however, is offered for other dead who are remembered. It is wrong to pray for a martyr, to whose prayers we ought ourselves be commended” (Sermons 159:1 [A.D. 411]). … “But by the prayers of the holy Church, and by the salvific sacrifice, and by the alms which are given for their spirits, there is no doubt that the dead are aided, that the Lord might deal more mercifully with them than their sins would deserve. The whole Church observes this practice which was handed down by the Fathers: that it prays for those who have died in the communion of the Body and Blood of Christ, when they are commemorated in their own place in the sacrifice itself; and the sacrifice is offered also in memory of them, on their behalf. If, then, works of mercy are celebrated for the sake of those who are being remembered, who would hesitate to recommend them, on whose behalf prayers to God are not offered in vain? It is not at all to be doubted that such prayers are of profit to the dead; but for such of them as lived before their death in a way that makes it possible for these things to be useful to them after death” (ibid., 172:2). … “Temporal punishments are suffered by some in this life only, by some after death, by some both here and hereafter, but all of them before that last and strictest judgment. But not all who suffer temporal punishments after death will come to eternal punishments, which are to follow after that judgment” (The City of God 21:13 [A.D. 419]). … “That there should be some fire even after this life is not incredible, and it can be inquired into and either be discovered or left hidden whether some of the faithful may be saved, some more slowly and some more quickly in the greater or lesser degree in which they loved the good things that perish, through a certain purgatorial fire” (Handbook on Faith, Hope, and Charity 18:69 [A.D. 421]). … “The time which interposes between the death of a man and the final resurrection holds souls in hidden retreats, accordingly as each is deserving of rest or of hardship, in view of what it merited when it was living in the flesh. Nor can it be denied that the souls of the dead find relief through the piety of their friends and relatives who are still alive, when the Sacrifice of the Mediator [Mass] is offered for them, or when alms are given in the Church. But these things are of profit to those who, when they were alive, merited that they might afterward be able to be helped by these things. There is a certain manner of living, neither so good that there is no need of these helps after death, nor yet so wicked that these helps are of no avail after death” (ibid., 29:109). …” …” – Blessed St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church, who influenced virtually all of subsequent Western philosophy and Catholic theology, as well as a significant amount of Protestant theology (c. 354 AD – c. 430 AD)
Source: https://www.catholic.com/tract/the-roots-of-purgatory
or
https://www.catholicbridge.com/catholic/purgatory-church-fathers.php
3) Is any direct “Scripture” quoted as Proof of “Purgatory” apart from the ‘debated Bible Verses’? Please consider the ‘Shepherd of Hermas’ Quote below as even the Roman Catholic Tradition Quotes it for “Purgatory Teaching” in link below:
http://unamsanctamcatholicam.com/history/79-history/356-shepherd-of-hermas.html
Even St. Irenaeous of Lyons believed that the “Shepherd of Hermas is Scripture as did Tertullian” too and St. Athanasius the Great approved it as authentic (from among the Church Fathers mentioned in the Lutheran Book of Concord earlier) and many others as described in detail in links below:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10159121203392784
or
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161308464357784
Example: The First Known Bible of Christianity includes this ‘Shepherd of Hermas’ as ‘Scripture’ as follows:
“… But Hermas wrote The Shepherd “most recently in our time”, in the city of Rome, while bishop Pius, his brother, was occupying the chair of the church of the city of Rome. And therefore it ought indeed to be read; but it cannot be read publicly to the people in church either among the Prophets, whose number is complete, or among the Apostles, for it is after their time. …” – Muratorian Canon (Roman Canon, the Oldest Bible Known in Christianity quoting the ‘Shepherd of Hermas’ or the “Shepherd” highlight)
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muratorian_fragment
4) Is Purgatory for Christians only or for non-Christians too?
If the “Shepherd of Hermas” is “Scripture”, then it may be talking about a “non-Elect Salvation possibility” because the “Elect Salvation” is compared to it as the “Tower” [which in this Book refers Parabolically to the “Tower of Repentance” signifying all the Elect who will Repent in this Life itself]. So the “Salvation” described below to ‘some’ (not all yet clearly) must thus refer to the Opposite Context of ‘Repentance in the Spirit World’ simply because if these Repented on earth how can they not be placed in the “Tower of Repentance” then? To Quote (Please notice also that this type of Salvation includes the ‘unbaptized’ who ‘wished to be baptized’ so non-Christians too may be possible for this Purgatory, if it truly is Purgatory Described here), to quote:
“… “Now the other stones which you saw cast far away from the tower, and falling upon the public road and rolling from it into pathless places, are those who have indeed believed, but through doubt have abandoned the true road. Thinking, then, that they could find a better, they wander and become wretched, and enter upon pathless places. But those which fell into the fire and were burned? are those who have departed for ever from the living God; nor does the thought of repentance ever come into their hearts, on account of their devotion to their lusts and to the crimes which they committed. Do you wish to know who are the others which fell near the waters, but could not be rolled into them? THESE ARE THEY WHO HAVE HEARD THE WORD, and WISH TO BE BAPTIZED in the name of the Lord; but when the chastity demanded by the truth comes into their recollection, they draw back, and AGAIN WALK AFTER THEIR OWN WICKED DESIRES.” She FINISHED her EXPOSITION of the TOWER. But I, shameless as I yet was, asked her, “IS REPENTANCE POSSIBLE FOR ALL THOSE STONES WHICH HAVE BEEN CAST AWAY and DID NOT FIT INTO THE BUILDING of the TOWER, AND WILL THEY YET HAVE A PLACE IN THIS TOWER?” “REPENTANCE,” said she, “IS YET POSSIBLE, BUT IN THIS TOWER [of Repentance*] THEY CANNOT FIND A SUITABLE PLACE. But in another and MUCH INFERIOR PLACE THEY WILL BE LAID, and that, too, ONLY WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN TORTURED AND COMPLETED THE DAYS OF THEIR SINS. And on this account will they be transferred, because they have PARTAKEN of the RIGHTEOUS WORD. And then only will they be removed from their punishments when the THOUGHT of REPENTING of the evil deeds which they have done has come into their hearts. But if it does not come into their hearts, they will not be saved, on account of the hardness of their heart.” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Chapter VII, Third Vision, Translated by another Well Known Scholar Mr. Roberts-Donaldson)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
If you read this entire chapter, Hermas is asking the Angel of Repentance here (some say it’s Blessed Archangel Michael himself) as follows:
“… “IS REPENTANCE POSSIBLE FOR ALL THOSE STONES WHICH HAVE BEEN CAST AWAY and DID NOT FIT INTO THE BUILDING of the TOWER, AND WILL THEY YET HAVE A PLACE IN THIS TOWER?” …”
“… “REPENTANCE,” said she, “IS YET POSSIBLE, BUT IN THIS TOWER [of Repentance*] THEY CANNOT FIND A SUITABLE PLACE. But in another and MUCH INFERIOR PLACE THEY WILL BE LAID, and that, too, ONLY WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN TORTURED AND COMPLETED THE DAYS OF THEIR SINS. …”
iii. Most likely this is “not” Repentance on earth being described here because such ones cannot find a ‘place in the “Tower of Repentance” (Context of Elect Salvation) as they are placed in a “… MUCH INFERIOR PLACE THEY WILL BE LAID, …” and “… CANNOT FIND A SUITABLE PLACE. … IN THIS TOWER [of Repentance*] …”.
“… “Many indeed shall hear, and hearing, some shall be glad, and some shall weep. But even these, if they hear and repent, shall also rejoice. Hear, then, the PARABLES of the TOWER; for I will reveal all to you, and give me no more trouble in regard to revelation: for these revelations have an end, for they have been completed. But you will not cease praying for revelations, for you are shameless. The TOWER which you see building is myself, THE CHURCH, who have appeared to you now and on the former occasion. Ask, then, whatever you like in regard to the tower, and I will reveal it to you, that you may rejoice with the saints.” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Chapter III, Third Vision, Translated by another Well Known Scholar Mr. Roberts-Donaldson)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
“… “Who then are those whom they REJECTED and CAST AWAY?” “These are they who have sinned, and WISH to REPENT. On this account they have not been thrown far from the TOWER, because they will yet be useful in the building, IF THEY REPENT. Those then who are to repent, if they do repent, will be strong in FAITH, if they now repent while the tower is building. For if the BUILDING be FINISHED, there will NOT BE MORE ROOM FOR ANY ONE, but he will be REJECTED. This privilege, however, will belong only to him who has NOW BEEN PLACED NEAR THE TOWER …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Chapter V, Third Vision, Translated by another Well Known Scholar Mr. Roberts-Donaldson)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
These rejected ones don’t sound like ‘some holy souls here”? To these ones only this hope next is Uttered (with no omissions just consecutive Verses which continue next as follows):
“… She FINISHED her EXPOSITION of the TOWER. But I, shameless as I yet was, asked her, “IS REPENTANCE POSSIBLE FOR ALL THOSE STONES WHICH HAVE BEEN CAST AWAY and DID NOT FIT INTO THE BUILDING of the TOWER, AND WILL THEY YET HAVE A PLACE IN THIS TOWER?” “REPENTANCE,” said she, “IS YET POSSIBLE, BUT IN THIS TOWER [of Repentance*] THEY CANNOT FIND A SUITABLE PLACE. But in another and MUCH INFERIOR PLACE THEY WILL BE LAID, and that, too, ONLY WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN TORTURED AND COMPLETED THE DAYS OF THEIR SINS. And on this account will they be transferred, because they have PARTAKEN of the RIGHTEOUS WORD. And then only will they be removed from their punishments when the THOUGHT of REPENTING of the evil deeds which they have done has come into their hearts. But if it does not come into their hearts, they will not be saved, on account of the hardness of their heart.” …” – Shepherd of Hermas earlier
Note: The “… THOUGHT of REPENTING …” which occurs when they are being “punished” (if in the Spirit World) could be referred to here as the “… PARTAKEN of the RIGHTEOUS WORD …” condition mentioned here toward those ‘rejected stones’ who have to go to this “Purgatorial” experience first before being Saved or the phrase “… PARTAKEN of the RIGHTEOUS WORD …” could refer to them partaking of some “Good Works” in their life prior (perhaps Almsgiving Work toward Christians when I was hungry/thirty/naked/homeless as Described in Matthew 25:31 – 46 could match here too). No one can say for sure and that’s why I call these “possibilities”.
5) First Christianity Example of where a difference in the Doctrine of eschatology (End Time Prophecies) does not matter for one to have a “true and pious faith”.
Indeed, St. Justin Martyr does not condemn those who did not believe in the Chiliasm Doctrine or ‘Millennialism’ timelines but calls them “pious Christians” too and not heretics. My position is same as Blessed St. Justin Martyr as per 1 Corinthians 4:5 regarding “judge nothing before its time” in the Context of ‘future prophecies’ where I do not condemn any Christian who differs in belief from me, to quote:
“… I admitted to you formerly, that I and many others are of this opinion, and [believe] that such will take place, as you assuredly are aware; but, on the other hand, I signified to you that many who belong to the pure and pious faith, and are true Christians, think otherwise. …” – Blessed St. Justin Martyr, a Great Early Christian Apologist who is a Foremost Exponent of the Divine Word, who Influenced Virtually all of subsequent Christian philosophy and Catholic theology, Martyr for Christ (c. 100AD – c. 160 AD, Dialogue with Trypho the Jew, Chapter 110)
Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Millennialism
Please be careful of some Protestant attitude to simply claim some very rough language against the ‘Shepherd of Hermas’ Book because if on Judgment Day it turns out to be “Scripture”, condemning any Scripture could be liable to the “Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit” which has “no” forgiveness either in this age nor in the age to come:
“… Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:32, NKJV)
Please also notice that St. Augustine of Hippo was saved believing in purgatory and even the famous author of the Chronicles of Narnia, C. S. Lewis also openly confessed to believe in the Roman Catholic Version of the Purgatory but I don’t think they are unsaved even if they are wrong because of this as this most conservative Reformed Theologian (of the Original Protestant movement), Mr. John Piper himself explains as follows:
“… If you’ve read Lewis (and I’ve read almost all of Lewis), you know you don’t go to C.S. Lewis to watch serious biblical exposition in the making. You don’t. No doubt, he knows his Bible — goodness gracious, he can quote his Greek New Testament probably better than I can. He probably has got parts of it memorized, and his theology is generally true. He’s not a heretic, but if he had tried to support this belief with Scripture, he would have been hard put to do it. …” – Mr. John Piper
Source:
https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-does-the-bible-say-about-purgatory
C.S. Lewis’ Purgatory Quote:
“… “You have been in Hell; though if you don’t go back you may call it Purgatory.”… [This theme was expanded later in the book (p. 67)]: … “If they leave that grey town behind it will not have been Hell. To any that leaves it, it is Purgatory. And perhaps ye had better not call this country Heaven. Not Deep Heaven, ye understand.” (Here he smiled at me). “Ye can call it the Valley of the Shadow of Life. And yet to those who stay here it will have been Heaven from the first. And ye can call those sad streets in the town yonder the Valley of the Shadow of Death: but to those who remain there they will have been Hell even from the beginning.” … [an interesting short exposition from his famous semi-catechetical work, Mere Christianity]: … Of course I pray for the dead. The action is so spontaneous, so all but inevitable, that only the most compulsive theological case against it would deter me. And I hardly know how the rest of my prayers would survive if those for the dead were forbidden. At our age the majority of those we love best are dead. What sort of intercourse with God could I have if what I love best were unmentionable to Him? . . . I believe in purgatory. Mind you, the Reformers had good reasons for throwing doubt on “the Romish doctrine concerning Purgatory” as that Romish doctrine had then become. . . ” – Blessed C. S. Lewis, ( 1898 – 1963, who graduated from Oxford University with a focus on literature and classic philosophy, and in 1925 he was awarded a fellowship teaching position at Magdalen College)
Last but not least, this is “not” Doctrine but a “possibility” only where I intend to share this so that we may guard our mouths over things like this lest if we are wrong, we could be judged seriously. Hence, if we are not sure, the most honest thing to do would be to admit that ‘I am not sure’ on this.
May God Have Mercy on whom He Wills.
What is the Lutheran Book of Concord?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Concord
Another interesting quote by St. Augustine of Hippo is that he didn’t consider Universalism believing Christians as heretics
That quote in full below where St. Augustine calls these “Christian Universalists” as “deceived” but “not” that “Universalism is a dangerous heresy which brings them to Hell or become unsaved” as he still calls them as “not denying Scripture and Saved”, to quote:
“…112. It is quite in vain, then, that some–indeed very many–yield to merely human feelings and deplore the notion of the eternal punishment of the damned and their interminable and perpetual misery. They do not believe that such things will be. Not that they would go counter to divine Scripture–but, yielding to their own human feelings, they soften what seems harsh and give a milder emphasis to statements they believe are meant more to terrify than to express the literal truth. “God will not forget,” they say, “to show mercy, nor in his anger will he shut up his mercy.” This is, in fact, the text of a holy psalm.237 But there is no doubt that it is to be interpreted to refer to those who are called “vessels of mercy,”238 those who are freed from misery not by their own merits but through God’s mercy. Even so, if they suppose that the text applies to all men, there is no ground for them further to suppose that there can be an end for those of whom it is said, “Thus these shall go into everlasting punishment.”239 Otherwise, it can as well be thought that there will also be an end to the happiness of those of whom the antithesis was said: “But the righteous into life eternal.” …” – Blessed St. Augustine of Hippo, Doctor of the Church, who influenced virtually all of subsequent Western philosophy and Catholic theology, as well as a significant amount of Protestant theology (c. 354 AD – c. 430 AD, Point 112 – CHAPTER XXIX. “The Last Things”, Enchiridion).
Source: http://www.tertullian.org/fathers/augustine_enchiridion_02_trans.htm
Interesting Quote in image – Mercy not Sacrifice Lifestyle
That’s why I don’t participate in any denomination/schisms but accept all mainstream Christians generally especially on Points which we agree and keep our differences not to the point of “boycotting one denomination nor ignoring some Christians based on that” understanding that “I could be wrong theologically on other matters likewise” and so the “measure I judge can be measured back to me” (as Christ Warned in Matthew 7:1 – 2).
This is the idea which was discussed based on the First Protestants’ Book of Concord when faced with similar situations where they clearly affirmed the “Church Fathers” as “their fathers” too even if they didn’t agree in all doctrinal points understanding human weakness thereby exhibiting “True Humility” and “Mercy” as the Most Blessed Saviour Himself Said that He is more interested in “Mercy” (accepting each other even if we don’t agree) than “Sacrifice” (in this context can refer to forming schisms with “no” Mercy or acceptance of other denominations/other churches), as these link details out more:
Also, what is the Lutheran Book of Concord?
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Concord
“… 11And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12When JESUS HEARD THAT, He said to them, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. 13But GO AND LEARN WHAT THIS MEANS: ‘I DESIRE MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, [b]to repentance.” …” (Matthew 9:11 – 13, NKJV)
PEACE to YOU
Peace to you
What Cleansing did Christ Mean in Luke 11:41 via Alms or the Charity Doctrine? Book of Concord’s listed Saint Leo I the Great
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161323748857784
1) Christ Taught this Truth in Bible Verses below
“… 39Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and DISH CLEAN, but YOUR INWARD PART is full of [k]GREED and WICKEDNESS. 40FOOLISH ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. ” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 41, NKJV)
This Particular aspect is discussed further in link below:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161318269272784
2) Lutheran’s ancient Book of Concord (by the First Protestants, the ‘Protestant Fathers’) list Blessed Pope St. Leo I the Great as “saved” even by their standards as a “Church Father”, to quote
“… The Lutheran Church did not start in the 1500s, but is the continuation of the one catholic (universal) Church, including everyone who taught and believed the one catholic faith. In The Book of Concord, the Early Church fathers are referenced and quoted in every confessional document (except the Small Catechism). Here are all the ones mentioned: … and LEO I covered the third, fourth, and fifth centuries . … The Christian faith did not originate with us. The Christian faith is handed on from one generation of saints to the next, as each generation holds to Scripture. There is so much we can learn from the faithful teachers of the ancient Church, for we are all part of the same catholic Church. They should not be strangers to us. If we are truly Lutheran, then they are truly our fathers. …”
Source:
https://lutheranreformation.org/history/lutherans-early-church-fathers/
Source:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161320954287784
3) St. Leo I Explains
The WARNING Christ might have Meant in these Verses (in Luke 11:39 – 45 could be this regarding ‘Outward Holiness (or WhiteWashed Tombs’ when Almsgiving is absent) as follows:
“… Let no one therefore, dearly beloved, flatter himself on any merits of a good life, if works of charity be wanting in him, and let him not trust in the purity of his body, if he be not cleansed by the purification of almsgiving. For “almsgiving wipes out sin,” kills death, and extinguishes the punishment of perpetual fire. (Tobit) …” – Blessed St. Leo the Great, also known as Pope Leo I, Bishop of Rome, Listed in the Ancient Lutheran’s Book of Concord as an accepted Church Father by Protestants & Pope Benedict XVI said that Leo’s papacy “was undoubtedly one of the most important in the Church’s history, Doctor of the Church, a Roman aristocrat, and was the first pope to have been called “the Great”. (c. 400 – 461 AD)
Source:
https://practicalapologetics.blogspot.com/2013/07/early-church-fathers-on-almsgiving.html
More details of St. Leo I’s life are in link below:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Leo_I
Conclusion – the Shepherd of Hermas (Possible “Scripture”) agrees and States that those who do this Charity Doctrine Lifestyle are enrolled in the “Book of Life” (called the “Book of Living” here), to quote:
“… And the rich man, in like manner, unhesitatingly bestows upon the poor man the riches which he received from the Lord. And this is a great work, and acceptable before God, because he understands the object of his wealth, and has given to the poor of the gifts of the Lord, and rightly discharged his service to Him. Among men, however, the elm appears not to produce fruit, and they do not know nor understand that if a drought come, the elm, which contains water, nourishes the vine l and the vine, having an unfailing supply of water, yields double fruit both for itself and for the elm. So also poor men interceding with the Lord on behalf of the rich, increase their riches; and the rich, again, AIDING the POOR in THEIR NECESSITIES, SATISFY THEIR SOULS. Both, therefore, are partners in the righteous work. He who does these things shall not be deserted by God, but shall be enrolled in the BOOKS of the LIVING. Blessed are they who have riches, and who understand that they are from the Lord. [For they who are of that mind will be able to do some good.]” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Second Similitude)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
Charity Doctrine Lifestyle is a “Work of MERCY”:
“…13But GO AND LEARN WHAT THIS MEANS: ‘I DESIRE MERCY AND NOT SACRIFICE.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners, [b]to repentance.” …” (Matthew 9:13, NKJV)
Peace to you
Prosperity Gospel may cause you your Salvation – Apostle St. James the Just with the Shepherd of Hermas Quote
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161324645867784
1) What did Christ mean in Verses below?
“… 21JESUS said to him, “IF you want to be PERFECT, go, SELL what YOU HAVE and GIVE to the POOR, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, FOLLOW ME.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS.23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is HARD for a RICH MAN TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 24And AGAIN I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. …” (Matthew 19:21 – 24, NKJV)
Context of what turned out to be hard for the rich man to do was clearly “the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle” of “Sell what you have and Give to the Poor” in Verses above. We may think that we are different but if we find it hard to give/share our wealth, it may be that we don’t realise that we love money.
2) St. James the Just explains that even “Luxury” and “Hoarding for self instead of Communal living/sharing” is sin toward the “Christian Rich” as follows as Christ Warned too in Verses at the end of this write up
“… 1Come now, YOU RICH, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! 2Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3Your GOLD and SILVER are corroded, and their corrosion will be a witness against you and will EAT YOUR FLESH LIKE FIRE. You have HEAPED up TREASURE in the LAST DAYS. … 5You have lived on the earth in PLEASURE and LUXURY; you have fattened your hearts as in a DAY of SLAUGHTER. …” – Blessed St. James the Just, First Bishop of Jerusalem (James 5:1 – 3, 5, NKJV)
3) God clearly Taught that both “Luxury” and “not helping the Poor” are “sins of Sodom” hence damnable in Verses below
“… Look, this was the iniquity of your sister SODOM: She and her daughter had PRIDE, FULLNESS OF FOOD, and ABUNDANCE OF IDLENESS; NEITHER did she strengthen the hand of the POOR and NEEDY. …” (Ezekiel 16:49, NKJV)
Conclusion
An interesting “Possible” Scripture in First Christianity called the “Shepherd of Hermas” also clearly describes such “Unsaved Prosperity Gospel type of Christians” to be in Danger as follows (and so, May God Help whom He Wills to “Repent” before it’s too late):
“… And he said to me, “Do you see this shepherd?” “I see him, sir,” I said. “This,” he answered, “is the ANGEL OF LUXURY AND DECEIT: he WEARS OUT THE SOULS OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD, and PERVERTS THEM FROM THE TRUTH, deceiving them with wicked desires, through which they will perish; for they forget the commandments of the living God, and WALK IN DECEITS AND EMPTY LUXURIES; and THEY ARE RUINED BY THE ANGEL, SOME BEING BROUGHT TO DEATH, OTHERS TO CORRUPTION:” I said to him, “Sir, I do not know the meaning of these words, ‘to death, and to corruption.'” “Listen,” he said. “The sheep which you saw merry and leaping about, are those which have TORN THEMSELVES AWAY FROM GOD FOR EVER, and HAVE DELIVERED THEMSELVES OVER TO LUXURIES AND DECEITS [of this world. Among THEM THERE IS NO RETURN TO LIFE THROUGH REPENTANCE, because they have added to their other sins, and BLASPHEMED THE NAME OF THE LORD. Such men therefore, are appointed unto death. And the sheep which you saw not leaping, but feeding in one place, are they who have delivered themselves over to luxury and deceit], but have committed NO BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE LORD. These have been PERVERTED FROM THE TRUTH: AMONG THEM THERE IS THE HOPE OF REPENTANCE, by which it is possible to live. Corruption, then, has a hope of a kind of renewal, but DEATH HAS EVERLASTING RUIN.” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Sixth Similitude, Chapter II)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
This could explain why the Judgment Day Verses are all about the Charity Doctrine only in regards to what we did when another was ‘… Hungry, Thirsty, Naked, Homeless …’ (in Matthew 25:31 – 46) as the “Will of the Father” as Described in these quoted Bible Verses and Shepherd of Hermas quotes too who are ‘rejected for Lawlessness in this aspect too’ though they converted “Many” via “Prophesying, ‘Casting out Demons’ and Miracles” as Matthew 7:20 – 24 Warned.
“… 21“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who DOES THE WILL OF MY FATHER in heaven. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 7:21, NKJV)
“… Have a care, then, ye who serve the Lord, and have Him in your heart, that ye work the works of God, remembering His commandments and promises which He promised, and believe that He will bring them to pass if His commandments be observed. INSTEAD OF LANDS, THEREFORE, BUY AFFLICTED SOULS, ACCORDING AS EACH ONE IS ABLE, AND VISIT S WIDOWS AND ORPHANS, AND DO NOT OVERLOOK THEM; AND SPEND YOUR WEALTH AND ALL YOUR PREPARATIONS, which ye RECEIVED FROM THE LORD, UPON SUCH LANDS AND HOUSES. For to this end did the Master make you rich, that YOU MIGHT PERFORM THESE SERVICES UNTO HIM; and it is much better to purchase such lands, and possessions, and houses, as you will find in your own city, when you come to reside in it. This is a noble and sacred expenditure, attended neither with sorrow nor fear, but with joy. Do not practise the expenditure of the heathen, for it is injurious to you who are the servants of God; but practise an expenditure of your own, in which ye can rejoice; and do not corrupt nor touch what is another’s nor covet it, for it is an evil thing to covet the goods of other men; BUT WORK THINE OWN WORK, AND THOU WILT BE SAVED.” …” (Third Book: Similitudes, First Similitude)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
“… And the rich man, in like manner, unhesitatingly bestows upon the poor man the riches which he received from the Lord. And this is a great work, and acceptable before God, because he understands the object of his wealth, and has given to the poor of the gifts of the Lord, and rightly discharged his service to Him. Among men, however, the elm appears not to produce fruit, and they do not know nor understand that if a drought come, the elm, which contains water, nourishes the vine l and the vine, having an unfailing supply of water, yields double fruit both for itself and for the elm. So also poor men interceding with the Lord on behalf of the rich, increase their riches; and the rich, again, AIDING the POOR in THEIR NECESSITIES, SATISFY THEIR SOULS. Both, therefore, are partners in the righteous work. He who does these things shall not be deserted by God, but shall be enrolled in the BOOKS of the LIVING. Blessed are they who have riches, and who understand that they are from the Lord. [For they who are of that mind will be able to do some good.]” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Second Similitude)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
Comment: Many of the Ancient Christians viewed Shepherd of Hermas as Scripture as discussed in detail in link below (so it’s highly possible to be true):
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10159121203392784&id=651792783
Example Approval Summary:
Shepherd of Hermas which was considered Scripture-Level in First Christianity by even St. Irenaeous of Lyons (Hearer/Disciple of St. Polycarp an apostolic father being the direct disciple of Apostle St. John who wrote the Book of Revelation) , Tertullian (father of Latin Christianity), Pope Callixtus I (Head of the entire Roman Catholic Church in his time in First Christianity), St. Clement of Alexandria (head of the Cathecatical School of Alexandria) and even the First Bibles of Christianity (the Muratorian or Roman Canon in the West & the Codex Claromontanus Canon in the East) while Eusebius (father of Church History) and St. Athanasius the Great (father of orthodoxy & Champion of Trinity) approved of its use for catechumens is discussed further with proof quotes or sources in link below:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Shepherd_of_Hermas
Some of these “Church Fathers” who viewed the Shepherd of Hermas as Scripture (e.g. St. Irenaeous of Lyons, Origen of Alexandria or Tertullian) and those who approved it as Authentic (e.g. St. Athanasius the Great) are listed among the First Protestant Fathers’ Ancient Book of Concord (meaning if they can believe such and be saved, so can others who follow likewise where we are being safe by considering it as a “possibility”), example quote:
“… The Lutheran Church did not start in the 1500s, but is the continuation of the one catholic (universal) Church, including everyone who taught and believed the one catholic faith. In The Book of Concord, the Early Church fathers are referenced and quoted in every confessional document (except the Small Catechism). Here are all the ones mentioned: … Justin Martyr, IRENAEUS, and TERTULLIAN from the second century. ORIGEN, Cyprian, Anthony of Egypt, ATHANASIUS, Basil of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, Gregory of Nyssa, John Chrysostom, Cyril of Alexandria, Hilary of Poitiers, Jerome, Ambrose, Augustine, and Leo I covered the third, fourth, and fifth centuries .Gregory I, Bede, and John of Damascus from the sixth, seventh, and eighth centuries. These men taught and wrote throughout . … The Christian faith did not originate with us. The Christian faith is handed on from one generation of saints to the next, as each generation holds to Scripture. There is so much we can learn from the faithful teachers of the ancient Church, for we are all part of the same catholic Church. They should not be strangers to us. If we are truly Lutheran, then they are truly our fathers. …”
Source: https://lutheranreformation.org/history/lutherans-early-church-fathers/
Without the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle of Sharing and Giving the opposite lifestyle of “material abundance and enjoyment for self” is “not rich with God” as Christ Warned:
“… “Take heed and beware of [c]covetousness, for one’s life does NOT CONSIST IN the ABUNDANCE OF THE THINGS HE POSSESSES.” … 21“So is he who LAYS UP TREASURE FOR HIMSELF, and is NOT RICH TOWARD GOD.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:15, 21, NKJV)
A Common Prosperity Gospel Reply explained in Context of Christ’s “Full Words” in Matthew 19:21 – 24.
Peace to you
Reward of Godliness is Conditional to Contentment Doctrine which is the Opposite of the Prosperity Gospel Doctrine
Please Read the Verse carefully, it’s “Conditional”. Yes, namely “Godliness” only works to “Great (Heavenly) Gains” with “Contentment” (not prosperity-seeking, which is the opposite of this meaning). These Verses in ‘full’:
“… 6Now GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT GAIN. 7For we brought nothing into this world, [d]and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And HAVING FOOD AND CLOTHING, WITH THESE WE SHALL BE CONTENT. 9But those who DESIRE TO BE RICH FALL into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in DESTRUCTION AND PERDITION. 10For the LOVE OF MONEY is a ROOT OF ALL KINDS OF EVIL, for which some have STRAYED FROM THE FAITH in their greediness, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness. 12FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH, LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE, …” (1 Timothy 6:6 – 12, NKJV)
Note: The “Desire to be Rich” (Verse 9) itself is wrong which is against this Contentment Rule but taught in the “Prosperity Gospel’s faith”. Can you see it please as it is Written? They’re destroying your “Heavenly Gain” as He Said to store your treasures in Heaven and not on earth too (in Matthew 6:19 – 20) via the “Charity Doctrine Lifestyle transaction” (in Luke 12:31 – 35) and please note that “Desire to be Rich” (1 Timothy 6:9) is different from “Love of Money” sin (1 Timothy 6:10) as both destroy the “Doctrine of Contentment” which is in the Context of “… 12FIGHT THE GOOD FIGHT OF FAITH, LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE, …” (1 Timothy 6:12) which the ‘Prosperity Gospel risks against’ and can effect your “Eternal Life” as these Verses clearly warn. May God Help us to “see” what’s plainly Written here in Scripture.
Only when a Christian has done this, one can say to have “Fight the Good Fight of Faith” as this is the “only Context” here nothing else. Please read it carefully as “it is Written”.
Peace to you
Contentment and Possibility Faith in one of the Greatest Example of Faith in the Old Testament
Bible Verses:
“… 17If that is the case, OUR GOD whom we serve IS ABLE TO DELIVER US from the burning fiery furnace, and He will deliver us from your hand, O king. 18But IF NOT, let it be known to you, O king, that we DO NOT serve your gods, NOR will we WORSHIP the GOLD IMAGE which you have set up.” …” (Daniel 3:17 – 18, NKJV)
Comments:
1) The Verses above Describe a Famous “Faith toward Martyrdom even” in the Context of Two Opposite Choices remaining letting GOD ALONE TO DECIDE whether to SAVE them or NOT SAVE them when they were threated to “bow to a gold idol” or else “be burned alive”.
2) This is the Doctrine of “Contentment” in analogy where it can apply to our finances in regards to if God Gives so be it and if God Doesn’t so be it as well. The prosperity gospel errs in by focusing on the ‘god must save us’ part FORCING HIM even (i.e. god must give prosperity-money if that’s a true believer type of fallacy or equivalent) because they don’t have a “Poor Christian” as an example of Faithfulness or a Leader in their churches. Can you see it?
3) Even in regards to the Doctrine of Eternal Hell vs Salvation for some unbelievers or even possible Christ Centered Universalism as contemplated by the Great Fathers of the Church, we take a similar stand in that LET GOD DECIDE and WHICEVER HE DECIDES, when Revealed One Day, we will Accept it Heartily.
Considering two “possibilities” under the Knowledge that “God is Able” (not considering two possibilities where one is sin) is called as one of the ‘Greatest Faith in the Old Testament itself’ in Daniel 3:17 – 18 in Principle.
“… Therefore JUDGE NOTHING BEFORE THE TIME, UNTIL THE LORD COMES, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God. 6Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes, that you may learn in us NOT TO THINK BEYOND WHAT IS WRITTEN, that none of you may be [c]puffed up on behalf of one against the other. 7For who [d]MAKES YOU DIFFER FROM ANOTHER? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? …” (1 Corinthians 4:5 – 7, NKJV)
Peace to you
Needs not Prosperity nor luxuries nor wants and the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle if we have more
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161449485037784
Verse in image (Philippians 4:19) clearly Says every “need”, not “wants, luxuries, prosperity”.
Yes, even in all “HIS RICHES”, God only Provides “NEEDS” as Verse below Reveals (in analogy, Responsible Parenting as providing luxuries to children is not more love but creates pride filled spoiled brats who are selfish and do not care for others much):
“… And MY GOD SHALL SUPPLY ALL YOUR NEED ACCORDING TO HIS RICHES in glory by Christ Jesus. …” (Philippians 4:19, NKJV)
The Bible Definition of “need” turns out to be only “food and clothing“. Anything more is just a bonus and best if shared. That definition Verse below:
“… 5[b]useless wranglings of men of CORRUPT MINDS and DESTITUTE OF THE TRUTH, who suppose that GODLINESS IS A MEANS OF GAIN. [c]FROM SUCH WITHDRAW YOURSELF. 6Now GODLINESS WITH CONTENTMENT IS GREAT GAIN. 7For we brought nothing into this world, [d]and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8And HAVING FOOD AND CLOTHING, WITH THESE WE SHALL BE CONTENT. …” (1 Timothy 6:5 – 8, NKJV)
Why is this important? As Verse 5 above Speaks, without such level of “Contentment” one’s “Godliness” (faith + holiness) does “NOT” Work to Great Gain (in the Heavens, Colossians 3:23 – 24, Luke 12:31 – 34) and in worse cases “plunge men into destruction and have their faith shipwrecked” as next Verses in 1 Timothy 6:9 – 11 Speak (not quoted here to focus on this part only).
Last but not least, please notice that 1 Timothy 6:5 above clearly Warns that only those “DESTITUTE OF TRUTH/CORRUPT MINDS” will Preach that “GODLINESS IS A MEANS OF GAIN” (which is the ‘Prosperity Gospel’ thought where people like this often say that if you live holy & believe God, He is going to make you “rich”/have gains or blessings or equivalent). What to do if you find such Christians? The Verse above continues “… [c]FROM SUCH WITHDRAW YOURSELF. …” (1 Timothy 6:5).
What if some Christians are “rich”?
In this ‘same Topic/same Chapter’ (the Bible Verses didn’t end as above and neither should our preaching on this topic) which COMMANDS the following (hence it’s “not” an option for the “rich Christians“, please notice that this is not Commanded to the “poor Christian” hence God is Fair and Sees by Relative Measure), Verses for the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE to be PRACTICED in the CONTEXT OF ETERNAL LIFE by the Original Sola Fide Preacher, Blessed Apostle St. Paul himself (without doing which possibly “Many” could be Denied for “Lawlessness” in this aspect as well because the Context here is for ‘Eternal Life’ as Matthew 7:20 – 24’s LAWLESSNESS Context especially referring to “LAWLESSNESS WITHIN” whose CURE IS ALMSGIVING AS CHRIST HIMSELF TAUGHT agrees in Luke 11:39 – 45 because not doing it is NOT PRACTICING JUSTICE and LOVE OF GOD where even paying tithes did NOT count as fulfilling God’s Will in this, so better to be ‘Safe Scripturally’), to quote (please read the Bible Verses below carefully as it is Written, it’s NOT the opinion of mere men):
“… 17COMMAND THOSE WHO ARE RICH in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. 18Let THEM DO GOOD, that they be RICH IN GOOD WORKS, READY TO GIVE, WILLING TO SHARE, 19storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that THEY MAY LAY HOLD ON ETERNAL LIFE. …” (1 Timothy 6:17 – 19, NKJV)
“… 39Then the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the OUTSIDE OF THE CUP and DISH CLEAN, but YOUR INWARD PART is full of [k]GREED and WICKEDNESS. 40FOOLISH ones! Did not He who made the outside make the inside also? 41But rather GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. 42“But woe to you Pharisees! For YOU TITHE mint and rue and all manner of herbs, and pass by JUSTICE and the LOVE of GOD THESE YOU OUGHT TO HAVE DONE, WITHOUT LEAVING THE OTHERS UNDONE. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 11:39 – 45, NKJV)
Note: Christ Did “NOT” say that this CHARITY DOCTRINE part in the above “… GIVE ALMS of [l]SUCH THINGS AS YOU HAVE; then indeed ALL THINGS ARE CLEAN TO YOU. …” can be LEFT NOT DONE or is OPTIONAL for any TRUE CHURCH OF CHRIST as He Himself Says in the last lines above that “… THESE YOU OUGHT TO HAVE DONE, WITHOUT LEAVING THE OTHERS UNDONE. …” (it’s inclusive and it’s Written).
Please don’t be deceived.
Peace to you
Proper Spirit-Filled Protestant Christian Doctrine from the Charity Doctrine to Eschatology and beyond in a Nutshell
The “Original Protestants”, a.k.a. the “Reformed Group” also agrees on these Two Points which we emphasize heavily namely:
1) “Doctrine of Giving” or the “Charity Doctrine” is a “Primary Doctrine” (Red part of the Chart under the ‘Practice Section’) which Directly affects Salvation in the “Fruits of Salvation Context”.
2) “End Times” Doctrine (Eschatology e.g. Eternal Hell vs Annihilation vs Universalism) is a “Secondary Doctrine” (Doesn’t affect Salvation at all but only possibly rewards) as demonstrated in image (Yellow part of the chart under the “Worldview-Shaping” Section).
Source for Post for image (Thanks to “Reformed Sage”):
https://www.facebook.com/TheReformedSage/photos/a.243838546072573/1501186407004441/
Peace to you
Is it possible for Blessed John Calvin, Founder of most of Protestant Theology to have at least one major Doctrine Wrong?
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161454155372784
It’s possible (as question in image asks). Which Doctrine? I point to the possibility of a “non-Elect Salvation”.
Yes, there may be a non-Elect Salvation as Revelation 22:17 and the Shepherd of Hermas Writing Points as the ‘Salvation outside the Tower (where Tower = Church)’.
1) Revelation 22:17
“… And the SPIRIT and the BRIDE say, “Come!” And let him who hears say, “Come!” And LET HIM WHO THIRSTS COME. Whoever desires, let him TAKE THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY. …” – apostle John (Revelation 22:17, NKJV)
“… I will give of the fountain of the WATER OF LIFE FREELY TO HIM WHO THIRSTS. …” (Revelation 21:6, NKJV)
Comment: Yes, Revelation 22:17 may be the strongest evidence that these “thirsty ones” who are given the ‘Water of life freely’ at that time which is after Judgment Day as it’s only on the New Earth and Heavens (Revelation 21:1) most likely cannot be Christians simply because “the Bride” (or Christians themselves) are calling toward them to take the Water of Life freely in Revelation 22:17 literally.
2) Shepherd of Hermas
“… “Now the other stones which you saw cast far away from the tower, and falling upon the public road and rolling from it into pathless places, are those who have indeed believed, but through doubt have abandoned the true road. Thinking, then, that they could find a better, they wander and become wretched, and enter upon pathless places. But those which fell into the fire and were burned? are those who have departed for ever from the living God; nor does the thought of repentance ever come into their hearts, on account of their devotion to their lusts and to the crimes which they committed. Do you wish to know who are the others which fell near the waters, but could not be rolled into them? THESE ARE THEY WHO HAVE HEARD THE WORD, and WISH TO BE BAPTIZED in the name of the Lord; but when the chastity demanded by the truth comes into their recollection, they draw back, and AGAIN WALK AFTER THEIR OWN WICKED DESIRES.” She FINISHED her EXPOSITION of the TOWER. But I, shameless as I yet was, asked her, “IS REPENTANCE POSSIBLE FOR ALL THOSE STONES WHICH HAVE BEEN CAST AWAY and DID NOT FIT INTO THE BUILDING of the TOWER, AND WILL THEY YET HAVE A PLACE IN THIS TOWER?” “REPENTANCE,” said she, “IS YET POSSIBLE, BUT IN THIS TOWER [of Repentance*] THEY CANNOT FIND A SUITABLE PLACE. But in another and MUCH INFERIOR PLACE THEY WILL BE LAID, and that, too, ONLY WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN TORTURED AND COMPLETED THE DAYS OF THEIR SINS. And on this account will they be transferred, because they have PARTAKEN of the RIGHTEOUS WORD. And then only will they be removed from their punishments when the THOUGHT of REPENTING of the evil deeds which they have done has come into their hearts. But if it does not come into their hearts, they will not be saved, on account of the hardness of their heart.” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Chapter VII, Third Vision, Translated by another Well Known Scholar Mr. Roberts-Donaldson)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
The part in quote above which proves non-Elect salvation Outside the “Tower = Church” here: “… “REPENTANCE,” said she, “IS YET POSSIBLE, BUT IN THIS TOWER [of Repentance*] THEY CANNOT FIND A SUITABLE PLACE. But in another and MUCH INFERIOR PLACE THEY WILL BE LAID, and that, too, ONLY WHEN THEY HAVE BEEN TORTURED AND COMPLETED THE DAYS OF THEIR SINS. …”.
How do we know that the Context of “Tower” here Parabolically refers to the “Tower of Repentance”?
It’s Described earlier as follows ‘Tower of Repentance’ = ‘the Church’ = ‘the Elect Salvation’ so the Salvation described earlier must be a ‘Salvation outside the Church, hence non-Elect’ if these are read ‘as it is Written’ here and ‘Compared’, to quote:
“… “Many indeed shall hear, and hearing, some shall be glad, and some shall weep. But even these, if they hear and repent, shall also rejoice. Hear, then, the PARABLES of the TOWER; for I will reveal all to you, and give me no more trouble in regard to revelation: for these revelations have an end, for they have been completed. But you will not cease praying for revelations, for you are shameless. The TOWER which you see building is myself, THE CHURCH, who have appeared to you now and on the former occasion. Ask, then, whatever you like in regard to the tower, and I will reveal it to you, that you may rejoice with the saints.” …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Chapter III, Third Vision, Translated by another Well Known Scholar Mr. Roberts-Donaldson)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd.html
Comment: Even St. Augustine of Hippo believed in some type of “purgatory” for some and we all know that even “John Calvin” himself considered Augustine saved despite this and not only that, even ‘Praises Augustine’s influence on him very much’, example quote:
“… Augustine is so wholly within me, that if I wished to write a confession of my faith, I could do so with all fullness and satisfaction to myself out of his writings …” – Blessed John Calvin, Protestant Reformer Theologian (Creator of the Five Point Calvinism or Tulips Doctrine for Protestanism)
Source: Calvin, John. A Treatise on the Eternal Predestination of God. in Calvin, John (1987). Calvin’s Calvinism. Translated by Henry Cole. Grandville, MI: Reformed Free Publishing Association. p. 38
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augustinian_Calvinism
Note: If keen I have discussed these aspects and more in my free downloadable pdf books whose links may be found in www.AnonymousChristian.org or even on my Facebook pinned post in the comments too.
I could be wrong but reading these Verses literally seem to point this as a “possibility” and when God Reveals it One Day I accept it either way.
Peace to you
Basic Teachings regarding Christ toward Perfection Doctrines regarding Christ
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161463490927784
1) Bible Verses below clearly Describe what is meant as “Basic (Elementary) Doctrine (i.e. “not” Deep Biblical Wisdom)”, Verses:
“… 1Therefore, LEAVING THE DISCUSSION OF THE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST, let us GO ON TO [a]PERFECTION, NOT laying again the FOUNDATION of REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS and OF FAITH TOWARD GOD, 2of the DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS, of LAYING OF HANDS, of RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD, and of ETERNAL JUDGMENT. 3And THIS [b]we will do IF GOD PERMITS. …” (Hebrews 6:1 – 3, NKJV)
Can you see it?
Contrary to Popular Christian Assumption, these “Doctrines” below are considered the “Elementary (Basic)” Doctrines regarding “Christ” according to Verses above:
iii. of LAYING OF HANDS,
Is there anything more than this regarding the “Doctrine of Christ”? Yes, as this same Verse above mentions “Perfection” in this phrase: ‘… 1Therefore, LEAVING THE DISCUSSION OF THE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST, let us GO ON TO [a]PERFECTION …’.
This means that a Christian Denomination/Church which only Teaches or focuses on one of the above listed Doctrines is doing some type of basic ‘baby’ Christianity with “not’ much “maturity” nor any significant steps toward “Perfection” as these “Bible Verses” (‘not’ my opinion) clearly Reveal “as it is Written”. How is it even logical to says so because isn’t Speaking about Christ” is all there is? There’s more because Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words below may Reveal the “Why” part:
“… But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and NOT DO THE THINGS WHICH I SAY? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46, NKJV)
Example: Indeed, Preaching Christ includes not just about Him but also What He Commanded such as the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle of “Almsgiving” to clean the “Lawlessness Inside” (Matthew 23:25 – 28 and Luke 11:39 – 45).
2) Context
Now, what is this “Doctrine of Perfection” beyond those elementary (basic) Topics which is referred to in this same Chapter in Hebrews 6 itself?
Surprising to most, the “only” Doctrine Toward “Perfection” mentioned immediately next (after Warning of some backsliding Christians who will “not” even pass this Basic/Elementary Doctrines in Hebrews 6:4 – 8, not quoted here to focus on this core part) which turns out to be … (you guessed it) … chiefly of the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE, Verses:
“… 9But, beloved, we are confident of BETTER THINGS CONCERNING YOU, YES, THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION, though we speak in this manner. 10For God is not unjust to forget YOUR WORK and [d]LABOR OF LOVE which you have shown toward His name, IN THAT YOU HAVE MNISTERED TO THE SAINTS, and DO MINISTER. 11And WE DESIRE THAT EACH ONE OF YOU SHOW THE SAME DILLIGENCE TO THE FULL ASSURANCE OF HOPE UNTIL THE END, 12that you do not become [e]sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience INHERIT the promises. …” (Hebrews 6:9 – 12, NKJV)
Can you see it ‘as it is Written’ please?
In other words, in this same chapter, same topic, same context, after exhorting Christians to move toward “Perfection” (Hebrews 6:1 – 3) and warning of those who fall away (Hebrews 6:4 – 8), the Bible Verses clearly Point to this “Doctrine of Perfection” to refer chiefly to the “Inheritance of the Kingdom” based on “one’s labor of Love” in the aspect of “ministering to the needs of one another” which is nothing else than the CHARITY DOCTRINE in Hebrews 6:9 – 12.
Note: You can check and see in this Hebrews Chapter 6 itself to see that ‘no other religious action is mentioned’ (if you find one, please let me know in case I missed it).
4) Details of the Charity Doctrine Part in Hebrews 6 as the Doctrine of “Perfection” referred to here beyond the Basic (Elementary) Christianity
“… BETTER THINGS CONCERNING YOU, YES, THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION … 12that you do not become [e]sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience INHERIT the promises. …” …”(Hebrews 6:9, 12, NKJV)
“… 10For God is not unjust to forget YOUR WORK and [d]LABOR OF LOVE which you have shown toward His name, …” (Hebrews 6:10, NKJV)
iii) This definition of “Working for God/Labor of Love” is “not” arbitrary here but clearly refers to the ‘CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE only‘ to minister to each other’s “needs” (tangible giving/sharing of worldly goods clearly)
“… IN THAT YOU HAVE MNISTERED TO THE SAINTS, and DO MINISTER. …” (Hebrews 6:10, NKJV)
“… 11And WE DESIRE THAT EACH ONE OF YOU SHOW THE SAME DILLIGENCE TO THE FULL ASSURANCE OF HOPE UNTIL THE END, …” (Hebrews 6:12, NKJV)
5) Saved by Fire
“… 11For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if anyone builds on this foundation with GOLD, SILVER, PRECIOUS STONES, wood, hay, straw, 13each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, HE WILL RECEIVE A REWARD. 15If anyone’s WORK IS BURNED, HE WILL SUFFER LOSS; but HE HIMSELF WILL BE SAVED, YET SO AS THROUGH FIRE. …” (1 Corinthians 3:11 – 15, NKJV)
Some may be “Saved by Fire” only incurring the “Loss of Reward” while “not” all get the “Gold” or “Silver” level Reward either meaning that “not” all inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven is same for Christians either and so, please don’t be deceived by Teachings which claim ‘you get every treasure in heaven by doing nothing’ or by doing less. Knowing these Bible Verses should encourage each Christian to live out the “CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE” to attain to these “TREASURES in HEAVEN” in the Context of “SEEK HIS KINGDOM’s INHERITANCE” (implied) as CHRIST HIMSELF CLEARLY TAUGHT (listed next).
6) Treasure in Heavens = Inheritance Level in His Kingdom
This could be the “Treasure in Heavens” that are to be obtained via the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle Transaction by Relative Measure which Christ Himself Taught in these Verses Directly
“… 31“But SEEK HIS KINGDOM, and THESE THINGS will be ADDED TO YOU. 32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. 33“SELL YOUR POSSESSIONS and GIVE TO CHARITY; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an UNFAILING TREASURE IN HEAVEN, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. 34“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 35“Be dressed in readiness, and KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:31 – 35, NASB)
It’s in this Context Christ Revealed the “…But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST. …” , Verses:
“… 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I still lack?”21JESUS said to him, “If you want to be PERFECT, GIVE to the POOR, and YOU WILL HAVE TREASURE in HEAVEN; and come, FOLLOW ME.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS.23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is HARD for a RICH MAN TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 24And AGAIN I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. … 27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have LEFT ALL and FOLLOWED YOU. Therefore what shall we have?” … 28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the REGENERATION, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And EVERYONE who has LEFT HOUSES or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or LANDS, for MY NAME’S SAKE, shall RECEIVE a HUNDREDFOLD, and INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE. 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST. …” (Matthew 19:20 – 24, 27 – 30, NKJV)
Conclusion
Yes, “Whatever you do” = “any act” which “benefits others” or of “holiness” can merit a reward of inheritance in His Kingdom and “not” just Church activities even if you work as a “servant” as these Verses Reveal Clearly below in Context:
“… 22Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23And WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT HEARTILY, AS TO THE LORD AND NOT TO MEN, 24knowing that FROM THE LORD YOU WILL RECEIVE THE REWARD OF THE INHERITANCE; for[a] YOU SERVE THE LORD CHRIST. 25But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is NO PARTIALITY. …” (Colossians 3:22 – 25, NKJV)
I have discussed these aspects in the #MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook in pages 142 – 145 or on pages 612 to 615 and even on pages 470 to 475 with more related details as well if keen in free pdf in link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-zX7XgzguBYHkXWucUZ6xfMInbwtj0Z3/view?usp=sharing
In the #CharityDoctrineBook , I have discussed the Hebrews 6 Verses too on Pages 270 to 273 or Page 324 & Page 360 too in free pdf in link below if keen:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MiCYDzxbOc0yAZhT9Es9U7yL6XLuV0Qz/view?usp=sharing
Peace to you
The Danger of following Prophets who claim “God told me” or equivalent
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161461938352784
Bible Verses:
“… 31Behold, I am AGAINST THE PROPHETS,” says the Lord, “WHO USE THEIR TONGUES AND SAY, ‘HE SAYS.’ 32Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” says the Lord, “and tell them, and cause MY PEOPLE to ERR BY THEIR LIES AND BY THEIR RECKLESSNESS. Yet I did not send them or command them; therefore they shall not profit this people at all,” says the Lord. 33“So when these people or the prophet or the priest ask you, saying, ‘What is the [h]oracle of the Lord?’ you shall then say to them, [i]‘What oracle?’ I WILL EVEN FORSAKE YOU,” says the Lord. 34“And AS FOR THE PROPHET and THE PRIEST and the people who say, ‘The [j]oracle of the Lord!’ I WILL EVEN PUNISH THAT MAN AND HIS HOUSE. …” (Jeremiah 23:31 – 34, NKJV)
Comments:
http://www.thewaywithwords.net/2017/09/martin-luther-16th-century-cessationist.html?m=1
“… 36And the [k]ORACLE OF THE LORD YOU SHALL MENTION NO MORE. For EVERY MAN’S WORD WILL BE HIS ORACLE, for you have perverted the words of the living God, the Lord of hosts, our God. 37Thus you shall say to the prophet, ‘What has the Lord answered you?’ and, ‘What has the Lord spoken?’ 38But since you say, ‘The [l]oracle of the Lord!’ therefore thus says the Lord: ‘Because you say this word, “The oracle of the Lord!” and I have sent to you, saying, “Do not say, ‘The oracle of the Lord!’ ” 39therefore behold, I, even I, WILL UTTERLY FORGET YOU and FORSAKE YOU, and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and will cast you out of My presence. 40And I WILL BRING AN EVERLASTING REPROACH UPON YOU, AND A PERPETUAL SHAME, WHICH SHALL NOT BE FORGOTTEN.’ ” …” (Jeremiah 23:36 – 40, NKJV)
I have discussed this aspect in some detail in Pages 740 to 745 in the free downloadable pdf #charitydoctrinebook if keen in link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MiCYDzxbOc0yAZhT9Es9U7yL6XLuV0Qz/view?usp=sharing
Peace to you
Basic Teachings regarding Christ toward Perfection Doctrines regarding Christ
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161463490927784
1) Bible Verses below clearly Describe what is meant as “Basic (Elementary) Doctrine (i.e. “not” Deep Biblical Wisdom)”, Verses:
“… 1Therefore, LEAVING THE DISCUSSION OF THE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST, let us GO ON TO [a]PERFECTION, NOT laying again the FOUNDATION of REPENTANCE FROM DEAD WORKS and OF FAITH TOWARD GOD, 2of the DOCTRINE OF BAPTISMS, of LAYING OF HANDS, of RESURRECTION OF THE DEAD, and of ETERNAL JUDGMENT. 3And THIS [b]we will do IF GOD PERMITS. …” (Hebrews 6:1 – 3, NKJV)
Can you see it?
Contrary to Popular Christian Assumption, these “Doctrines” below are considered the “Elementary (Basic)” Doctrines regarding “Christ” according to Verses above:
iii. of LAYING OF HANDS,
Is there anything more than this regarding the “Doctrine of Christ”? Yes, as this same Verse above mentions “Perfection” in this phrase: ‘… 1Therefore, LEAVING THE DISCUSSION OF THE ELEMENTARY PRINCIPLES OF CHRIST, let us GO ON TO [a]PERFECTION …’.
This means that a Christian Denomination/Church which only Teaches or focuses on one of the above listed Doctrines is doing some type of basic ‘baby’ Christianity with “not’ much “maturity” nor any significant steps toward “Perfection” as these “Bible Verses” (‘not’ my opinion) clearly Reveal “as it is Written”. How is it even logical to says so because isn’t Speaking about Christ” is all there is? There’s more because Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words below may Reveal the “Why” part:
“… But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and NOT DO THE THINGS WHICH I SAY? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46, NKJV)
Example: Indeed, Preaching Christ includes not just about Him but also What He Commanded such as the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle of “Almsgiving” to clean the “Lawlessness Inside” (Matthew 23:25 – 28 and Luke 11:39 – 45).
2) Context
Now, what is this “Doctrine of Perfection” beyond those elementary (basic) Topics which is referred to in this same Chapter in Hebrews 6 itself?
Surprising to most, the “only” Doctrine Toward “Perfection” mentioned immediately next (after Warning of some backsliding Christians who will “not” even pass this Basic/Elementary Doctrines in Hebrews 6:4 – 8, not quoted here to focus on this core part) which turns out to be … (you guessed it) … chiefly of the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE, Verses:
“… 9But, beloved, we are confident of BETTER THINGS CONCERNING YOU, YES, THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION, though we speak in this manner. 10For God is not unjust to forget YOUR WORK and [d]LABOR OF LOVE which you have shown toward His name, IN THAT YOU HAVE MNISTERED TO THE SAINTS, and DO MINISTER. 11And WE DESIRE THAT EACH ONE OF YOU SHOW THE SAME DILLIGENCE TO THE FULL ASSURANCE OF HOPE UNTIL THE END, 12that you do not become [e]sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience INHERIT the promises. …” (Hebrews 6:9 – 12, NKJV)
Can you see it ‘as it is Written’ please?
In other words, in this same chapter, same topic, same context, after exhorting Christians to move toward “Perfection” (Hebrews 6:1 – 3) and warning of those who fall away (Hebrews 6:4 – 8), the Bible Verses clearly Point to this “Doctrine of Perfection” to refer chiefly to the “Inheritance of the Kingdom” based on “one’s labor of Love” in the aspect of “ministering to the needs of one another” which is nothing else than the CHARITY DOCTRINE in Hebrews 6:9 – 12.
Note: You can check and see in this Hebrews Chapter 6 itself to see that ‘no other religious action is mentioned’ (if you find one, please let me know in case I missed it).
4) Details of the Charity Doctrine Part in Hebrews 6 as the Doctrine of “Perfection” referred to here beyond the Basic (Elementary) Christianity
“… BETTER THINGS CONCERNING YOU, YES, THINGS THAT ACCOMPANY SALVATION … 12that you do not become [e]sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience INHERIT the promises. …” …”(Hebrews 6:9, 12, NKJV)
“… 10For God is not unjust to forget YOUR WORK and [d]LABOR OF LOVE which you have shown toward His name, …” (Hebrews 6:10, NKJV)
iii) This definition of “Working for God/Labor of Love” is “not” arbitrary here but clearly refers to the ‘CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE only‘ to minister to each other’s “needs” (tangible giving/sharing of worldly goods clearly)
“… IN THAT YOU HAVE MNISTERED TO THE SAINTS, and DO MINISTER. …” (Hebrews 6:10, NKJV)
“… 11And WE DESIRE THAT EACH ONE OF YOU SHOW THE SAME DILLIGENCE TO THE FULL ASSURANCE OF HOPE UNTIL THE END, …” (Hebrews 6:12, NKJV)
5) Saved by Fire
“… 11For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if anyone builds on this foundation with GOLD, SILVER, PRECIOUS STONES, wood, hay, straw, 13each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, HE WILL RECEIVE A REWARD. 15If anyone’s WORK IS BURNED, HE WILL SUFFER LOSS; but HE HIMSELF WILL BE SAVED, YET SO AS THROUGH FIRE. …” (1 Corinthians 3:11 – 15, NKJV)
Some may be “Saved by Fire” only incurring the “Loss of Reward” while “not” all get the “Gold” or “Silver” level Reward either meaning that “not” all inheritance of the Kingdom of Heaven is same for Christians either and so, please don’t be deceived by Teachings which claim ‘you get every treasure in heaven by doing nothing’ or by doing less. Knowing these Bible Verses should encourage each Christian to live out the “CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE” to attain to these “TREASURES in HEAVEN” in the Context of “SEEK HIS KINGDOM’s INHERITANCE” (implied) as CHRIST HIMSELF CLEARLY TAUGHT (listed next).
6) Treasure in Heavens = Inheritance Level in His Kingdom
This could be the “Treasure in Heavens” that are to be obtained via the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle Transaction by Relative Measure which Christ Himself Taught in these Verses Directly
“… 31“But SEEK HIS KINGDOM, and THESE THINGS will be ADDED TO YOU. 32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. 33“SELL YOUR POSSESSIONS and GIVE TO CHARITY; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an UNFAILING TREASURE IN HEAVEN, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. 34“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 35“Be dressed in readiness, and KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:31 – 35, NASB)
It’s in this Context Christ Revealed the “…But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST. …” , Verses:
“… 20The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept [g]from my youth. What do I still lack?”21JESUS said to him, “If you want to be PERFECT, GIVE to the POOR, and YOU WILL HAVE TREASURE in HEAVEN; and come, FOLLOW ME.” 22But when the young man heard that saying, he went away SORROWFUL, for he had GREAT POSSESSIONS.23Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is HARD for a RICH MAN TO ENTER THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. 24And AGAIN I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God. … 27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have LEFT ALL and FOLLOWED YOU. Therefore what shall we have?” … 28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the REGENERATION, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And EVERYONE who has LEFT HOUSES or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or LANDS, for MY NAME’S SAKE, shall RECEIVE a HUNDREDFOLD, and INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE. 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST. …” (Matthew 19:20 – 24, 27 – 30, NKJV)
Conclusion
Yes, “Whatever you do” = “any act” which “benefits others” or of “holiness” can merit a reward of inheritance in His Kingdom and “not” just Church activities even if you work as a “servant” as these Verses Reveal Clearly below in Context:
“… 22Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23And WHATEVER YOU DO, DO IT HEARTILY, AS TO THE LORD AND NOT TO MEN, 24knowing that FROM THE LORD YOU WILL RECEIVE THE REWARD OF THE INHERITANCE; for[a] YOU SERVE THE LORD CHRIST. 25But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is NO PARTIALITY. …” (Colossians 3:22 – 25, NKJV)
I have discussed these aspects in the #MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook in pages 142 – 145 or on pages 612 to 615 and even on pages 470 to 475 with more related details as well if keen in free pdf in link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-zX7XgzguBYHkXWucUZ6xfMInbwtj0Z3/view?usp=sharing
In the #CharityDoctrineBook , I have discussed the Hebrews 6 Verses too on Pages 270 to 273 or Page 324 & Page 360 too in free pdf in link below if keen:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MiCYDzxbOc0yAZhT9Es9U7yL6XLuV0Qz/view?usp=sharing
Peace to you
First Christianity is Loaded with these Mysteries
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161454362692784
1) St. Athanasius also played one of the most important role to decide that there are 27 books in the New Testament, example quotes:
“… Athanasius of Alexandria (A.D. 296-373) was the most prominent theologian of the fourth century, and he served as bishop of Alexandria. His list of canonical books was published as part of his Thirty-Ninth Festal Epistle of A.D. 367. After the list he declares, “these are the wells of salvation, so that he who thirsts may be satisfied with the sayings in these. Let no one add to these. Let nothing be taken away.” …”
Source: http://www.bible-researcher.com/athanasius.html
Or https://www.christianitytoday.com/history/issues/issue-28/367-athanasius-defines-new-testament.html
“… These are the springs of salvation, in order that he who is thirsty may fully refresh himself with the words contained in them. In them alone is the doctrine of piety proclaimed. Let no one add anything to them or take anything away from them… But for the sake of greater accuracy I add, being constrained to write, that there are also other books besides these, which have not indeed been put in the canon, but have been appointed by the Fathers as reading-matter for those who have just come forward and which to be instructed in the doctrine of piety: the Wisdom of Solomon, the Wisdom of Sirach, Esther, Judith, Tobias, the so-called Teaching [Didache] of the Apostles, and the Shepherd. And although, beloved, the former are in the canon and the latter serve as reading matter, yet mention is nowhere made of the apocrypha; rather they are a fabrication of the heretics, who write them down when it pleases them and generously assign to them an early date of composition in order that they may be able to draw upon them as supposedly ancient writings and have in them occasion to deceive the guileless. …” – Blessed St. Athanasius the Great, the Father of Orthodoxy, Patriarch of Alexandria and Champion of Trinity, Doctor of the Church and Confessor, Coptic Pope (c. 296 AD – c. 373 AD, The 39th Festal Letter of Athanasius (367 CE))
Source: http://www.ntcanon.org/Athanasius.shtml
Note: Quoting the later councils and all that doesn’t matter so much because they all quote St. Athanasius for the 27 Book New Testament as even the Protestants do. I know of no earlier leader of the church to mention such number of books but may list more too or less too or not mention some too.
I have discussed these same quotes and more on Page 176 onward in the free downloadable pdf for the Book titled “Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven” (if keen) in link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xQJg2QVNo8B4DCpNn_yTpEGXtG0iRmii/view?usp=sharing
Peace to you
A keen eye would notice that for St. Athanasius at that time even, the “Book of Esther” was “outside of the Bible” (just like the Shepherd of Hermas or others mentioned in his quote above) but today is one of the 66 books meaning these other books also could be likewise in his quote above:
“…that there are also other books besides these, which have not indeed been put in the canon, but have been appointed by the Fathers as reading-matter for those who have just come forward and which to be instructed in the doctrine of piety: the Wisdom of Solomon, the Wisdom of Sirach, Esther, Judith, Tobias, the so-called Teaching [Didache] of the Apostles, and the Shepherd. …”
*Shepherd = Shepherd of Hermas (in quote above)
St. Athanasius clearly points that each of these listed books are “accepted” while he states as “Apocrypha” in his usage here “NOT” referring to these books but ‘other fake books made by heretics’ (which are “not” listed here meaning what is “not” listed could be potentially from heretical sources). That quote from above:
“…And although, beloved, the former are in the canon and the latter serve as reading matter, yet mention is nowhere made of the apocrypha; rather they are a fabrication of the heretics, who write them down when it pleases them and generously assign to them an early date of composition in order that they may be able to draw upon them as supposedly ancient writings and have in them occasion to deceive the guileless. …” …”
Comments, please consider these phrases carefully:
1) “… the former are in the canon …” = 27 New Testament Books (Accepted)
2) “… and the latter serve as reading matter, …” = “… .that there are also other books besides these, which have not indeed been put in the canon, but have been appointed by the Fathers as reading-matter for those who have just come forward and which to be instructed in the doctrine of piety: the Wisdom of Solomon, the Wisdom of Sirach, Esther, Judith, Tobias, the so-called Teaching [Didache] of the Apostles, and the Shepherd [of Hermas]. …” (Accepted)
3) “… yet mention is nowhere made of the apocrypha; rather they are a fabrication of the heretics …” = Books which are “not” listed above (Rejected). Interesting, isn’t it?
Mystery of a Possible Fatal Error in Doctrine for Christians to be Denied from the First Resurrection as the Foolish Virgins with Blessed Martin Luther as the Comparison Example
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161481458932784
Firstly, “Blessed Martin Luther” quoted here throughout refers to the “First Champion of the Protestant Faith” whom ‘all Protestants agree that he must be saved’. Let’s Begin:
1) Recently I was talking with a Christian who was very confident that he must be one of the 5 Wise Virgins based on the following usual claims:
However, even if such a meaning is true, then is Blessed Martin Luther Saved because he didn’t preach it? Also, Blessed Martin Luther surely is filled with the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God (as all Protestants agree) and yet he COULD NOT SEE the MEANING of OIL AS REFERRING to the HOLY SPIRIT if the ‘modern protestants of monergism or other types are correct’ BUT YET HE IS SAVED, RIGHT?
In other words, it’s certainly possible to PREACH THE SAME as BLESSED MARTIN LUTHER and BE SAVED LIKEWISE in REGARDS to this MEANING for THIS PARABLE.
iii) The “Oil” in the Wise Virgins refers to ‘Speaking in Tongues’. Blessed Martin Luther never Taught this meaning in any of his writings and neither did the reformers spoke in tongues either until the early 20th century.
2) Unseen Danger in the Popular Protestant claim that the “Oil” refers to the “Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God”
The Real Danger is this: If you are going to quote that the “Oil” is the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God, you better be 100% correct because it is Written that ‘any Word Spoken against Him is Unforgiven’, Verse:
“… 31“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:31 – 32, NKJV)
In contrast, without Quoting the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God but stating it as our own opinion/oracle is “not” damnable as God Himself showed Mercy by His Unchanging Principle as discussed in post in link below:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161461938352784
Now, please consider the Actual Bible Verses below which describe that the “Oil” is to be obtained by “some earthly transaction”:
“… 7Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8And the foolish said to the wise, ‘GIVE US SOME OF YOUR OIL, for our lamps are going out.’ 9But THE WISE ANSWERED, saying, ‘No, lest there should not be enough for us and you; but GO RATHER TO THOSE WHO SELL, and BUY FOR YOURSELVES.’ 10And WHILE THEY WENT TO BUY, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the wedding; and the door was shut. 11“Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us!’ 12But he answered and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, I DO NOT KNOW YOU.’ …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:7 – 12, NKJV)
Comments:
Conclusion
Blessed Martin Luther Himself Taught that the “OIL” refers to “TRUE FAITH” where his definition of True Faith included the “LAMP” as the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE to HELP ONE’s NEIGHBOUR as discussed in detail in link below:
http://www.godwithuslc.org/luther-sermon-for-trinity-27/
Or as shown in image from the #ParableoftheWiseandFoolishVirginsBook in free pdf in link below for more First Christianity Quotes in support of this similar claim too:
https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=Jonathan+Ramachandran
So even if the Church Fathers quoted in ‘reverse’ that the “OIL” refers to the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE of HELPING ONE ANOTHER by RELATIVE MEASURE or the LAMP as a whole with it, the MEANING IN ESSENCE is the SAME (and that’s all that matters).
The Role of the MOST BLESSED HOLY SPIRIT OF GOD is that unless HE ENABLES US, WE CAN DO NOTHING of THESE WISE ACTIONS NEEDED.
Last but not least, please notice that the popular claim of ‘Believe in Christ and be holy is enough for Salvation’ is refuted by the FOOLISH VIRGINS case because they too were HOLY = VIRGINS (where VIRGINITY most likely denotes holiness or faith or both) while the “OIL” being an EXTERNAL ACTION required toward THOSE WHO SELL whom FIRST CHRISTIANITY quotes point to THE POOR and thus the CHARITY DOCTRINE ACTS of GIVING/SHARING is most likely true.
No one knows for sure but the Safe Route Scripturally (or “WISE WAY”) would be to better prepare for it based on various interpretations and so we may “not” be Denied when He Returns by His Mercy having been found ready by Doing His Will. We are “not” saved by Good Works but GOD IS THE ONE DOING IT THORUGH US, (the “Jesus in You” Principle) as Revealed in example Verse below:
“… for it is GOD WHO WORKS IN YOU BOTH TO WILL AND TO DO for His good pleasure. …” (Philippians 2:13, NKJV)
So the “opposite” must be true namely, to “not” do Good Works is TO NOT DO GOD’s WILL. Can you see it ‘as it is Written’? Maybe the Devil knows this and that’s why always persuades by saying ‘no need to do anything or that you are so special deceiving in words and leading one away from doing Good Works making them UNFRUITFUL’ as this Verse Warned too:
“… And let our people also learn to MAINTAIN GOOD WORKS, TO MEET URGENT NEEDS, that they may NOT BE UNFRUITFUL. …” (Titus 3:14, NKJV)
So the absence of “GOOD WORKS” is certainly being UNFRUITFUL and the GOOD WORKS referred to is SPECIFIC as the CHARITY DOCTRINE WORKS of GIVING/SHARING to MEET URGENT NEEDS as the DEFINITION OF FRUIT too without which a TREE is CHOPPED DOWN and THROWN into FIRE (yes with actual worldly goods, please see 1 John 3:16 – 18 too).
A haunting quote in the ‘LAST LINES’ from the ‘#ShepherdofHermas’ Apostolic Father’s Writing seem to point to this meaning too as follows:
“… 4[114]:2 Charge all men who are able to do right, that THEY CEASE NOT TO PRACTICE GOOD WORKS; for it is useful for them. I say moreover that every man ought to be RESCUED FROM MISFORTUNE; for he that hath need, and SUFFERETH MISFORTUNE IN HIS DAILY LIFE, IS IN GREAT TORMENT AND WANT. 4[114]:3 WHOSOEVER THEREFORE RESCUETH FROM PENURY A LIFE OF THIS KIND, winneth great joy for himself. For he who is harassed by misfortune of this sort is afflicted and tortured with equal torment as one who is in chains. For many men on account of calamities of this kind, because they can bear them no longer, lay violent hands on themselves. HE THEN WHO KNOWS THE CALAMITY OF A MAN OF THIS KIND AND RESCUETH HIM NOT, COMMITTETH GREAT SIN, and BECOMETH GUILTY OF THE MAN’s BLOOD. 4[114]:4 DO THEREFORE GOOD WORKS, WHOEVER OF YOU HAVE RECEIVED (BENEFITS) FROM THE LORD, LEST, WHILE YE DELAY TO DO THEM THE BUILDING OF THE TOWER BE COMPLETED. For it is on your account that the work of the building has been interrupted. Unless then ye hasten to do right, the tower will be completed, and YE SHUT OUT.” 4[114]:5 When then he had finished speaking with me, he rose from the couch and departed, TAKING WITH HIM THE SHEPHERD AND THE VIRGINS. He said however unto me, that he would send the shepherd and the virgins back again to my house. . .” – Shepherd of Hermas (Parable 10, Last Lines of this entire Writing)
Source: http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd-lightfoot.html
Peace to you
Relative Measure in Charity Doctrine – If Believing + Holiness alone Saves us these Verses have “no” meaning (in image too)
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161482483492784
“… 45But IF THAT SERVANT SAYS in his heart, ‘My master is delaying his coming,’ and begins to beat the male and female servants, and to eat and drink and be drunk, 46the master of that servant will come on a day when he is not looking for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and WILL CUT HIM IN TWO AND APPOINT HIM HIS PORTION WITH THE UNBELIEVERS. 47And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. 48But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone TO WHOM MUCH IS GIVEN, FROM HIM MUCH WILL BE REQUIRED; and TO WHOM MUCH HAS BEEN COMMITTED, OF HIM THEY WILL ASK THE MORE. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:45 – 48, NKJV)
Comments:
Peace to you
Purpose Driven Life – Knowing Heavenly Inheritance Reward for Daily Life Secular Work or Gospel Work or any type of Good Works
Source Post:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161483870422784
“… to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, THAT THEY MAY RECEIVE THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND AN INHERITANCE AMONG THOSE WHO ARE SANCTIFIED BY FAITH IN ME …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 26:18, NKJV)
‘… Whatever you do …’ —> can be for the LORD as the First Context here was toward ‘Slaves/Servant Secular Job literally’. —> and the “REWARD of the INHERITANCE of His Kingdom accordingly is Promised”.
Those Verses here:
“… 17And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him. … 22BONDSERVANTS, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23And WHATEVER YOU DO, do it heartily, AS TO THE LORD and not to men, 24KNOWING THAT FROM THE LORD YOU WILL RECEIVE THE REWARD OF THE INHERITANCE; for[a] you serve the Lord Christ. 25But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality. …” (Colossians 3:17, 22 – 25, NKJV)
Comments:
“… “So now, brethren, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and GIVE YOU AN INHERITANCE AMONG ALL THOSE WHO ARE SANCTIFIED. …” (Acts 20:32, NKJV)
“… For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.” …” (Matthew 12:37, NKJV)
“… to an INHERITANCE incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, RESERVED IN HEAVEN FOR YOU, …” (1 Peter 1:4, NKJV)
“… 31“But SEEK HIS KINGDOM, and THESE THINGS will be ADDED TO YOU. 32“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom. 33“SELL YOUR POSSESSIONS and GIVE TO CHARITY; make yourselves money belts which do not wear out, an UNFAILING TREASURE IN HEAVEN, where no thief comes near nor moth destroys. 34“For WHERE YOUR TREASURE IS, THERE YOUR HEART WILL BE ALSO. 35“Be dressed in readiness, and KEEP YOUR LAMPS LIT. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 12:31 – 35, NASB)
“… 8Now HE WHO PLANTS AND HE WHO WATERS ARE ONE, and EACH ONE WILL RECEIVE HIS OWN REWARD ACCORDING TO HIS OWN LABOR. 9For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I HAVE LAID THE FOUNDATION, and ANOTHER BUILDS ON IT. But let each one take heed HOW HE BUILDS ON IT. 11For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if anyone builds on this foundation with GOLD, SILVER, PRECIOUS STONES, wood, hay, straw, 13each one’s work will become clear; FOR THE DAY WILL DECLARE IT, because IT WILL BE REVEALED BY FIRE; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, HE WILL RECEIVE A REWARD. 15If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but HE HIMSELF WILL BE SAVED, YET SO AS THROUGH FIRE. …” (1 Corinthians 3:8 – 15, NKJV)
Comment: Please notice carefully, there’s also “saved by fire” without any rewards in Verses above and a Reward is only Promised if one’s work endures and that there are at least three levels of a work that endures namely, “gold, silver or precious stones” and so the myth of ‘equal rewards for all Christians even is clearly refuted here’. Please don’t be deceived and this itself should be a motivation for each Christian to Work on each other’s Reward whilst helping each other to better themselves in Good Works accordingly.
“… 1And He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury, 2and He saw also a certain poor widow putting in two mites.[a] 3So He said, “TRULY I say to you that this POOR widow has put in MORE THAN ALL; 4for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings [b]for God, but she OUT OF HER POVERTY PUT IN ALL THE LIVELIHOOD THAT SHE HAD.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21:1 – 4, NKJV)
More on Relative Measure was discussed in brief post in link below:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161482483492784
“… 9[17]:1 “Hear me, my children. I brought you up in much simplicity and guilelessness and reverence, through the mercy of the Lord, Who instilled righteousness into you, that YE MIGHT BE JUSTIFIED AND SANCTIFIED from all wickedness and all crookedness. But ye will not to cease from your wickedness. 9[17]:2 Now then hear me and be at peace among yourselves, and have regard one to another, and assist one another, and DO NOT PARTAKE OF THE CREATURES OF GOD ALONE IN ABUNDANCE, BUT SHARE THEM ALSO WITH THOSE THAT ARE IN WANT. 9[17]:3 For some men through their much eating bring weakness on the flesh, and injure their flesh: whereas the flesh of those who have nought to eat is injured by their not having sufficient nourishment, and their body is ruined. 9[17]:4 THIS EXCLUSIVENESS THEREFORE IS HURTFUL TO YOU THAT HAVE AND DO NOT SHARE WITH THEM THAT AR IN WANT. 9[17]:5 LOOK YE TO THE JUDGMENT THAT COMETH. YE THEN THAT HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH, SEEK OUT THEM THAT ARE HUNGRY, WHILE THE TOWER IS STILL UNFINISHED; FOR AFTER THE TOWER IS FINISHED, YE WILL DESIRE TO DO GOOD, AND WILL FIND NO PLACE FOR IT. 9[17]:6 Look ye therefore, ye that exult in YOUR WEALTH, LEST THEY THAT ARE IN WANT SHALL MOAN, and their moaning shall go up unto the Lord, and YE WITH YOUR [ABUNDANCE OF GOOD THINGS BE SHUT OUTSIDE OF THE DOOR OF THE TOWER. …” – Shepherd of Hermas (Vision 3)
Source:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd-lightfoot.html
or
“… 4[114]:2 Charge all men who are able to do right, that THEY CEASE NOT TO PRACTICE GOOD WORKS; for it is useful for them. I say moreover that every man ought to be RESCUED FROM MISFORTUNE; for he that hath need, and SUFFERETH MISFORTUNE IN HIS DAILY LIFE, IS IN GREAT TORMENT AND WANT. 4[114]:3 WHOSOEVER THEREFORE RESCUETH FROM PENURY A LIFE OF THIS KIND, winneth great joy for himself. For he who is harassed by misfortune of this sort is afflicted and tortured with equal torment as one who is in chains. For many men on account of calamities of this kind, because they can bear them no longer, lay violent hands on themselves. HE THEN WHO KNOWS THE CALAMITY OF A MAN OF THIS KIND AND RESCUETH HIM NOT, COMMITTETH GREAT SIN, and BECOMETH GUILTY OF THE MAN’s BLOOD. 4[114]:4 DO THEREFORE GOOD WORKS, WHOEVER OF YOU HAVE RECEIVED (BENEFITS) FROM THE LORD, LEST, WHILE YE DELAY TO DO THEM THE BUILDING OF THE TOWER BE COMPLETED. For it is on your account that the work of the building has been interrupted. Unless then ye hasten to do right, the tower will be completed, and YE SHUT OUT.” 4[114]:5 When then he had finished speaking with me, he rose from the couch and departed, TAKING WITH HIM THE SHEPHERD AND THE VIRGINS. He said however unto me, that he would send the shepherd and the virgins back again to my house. . .” – Shepherd of Hermas (Parable 10, Last Lines of this entire Writing)
Source:
http://www.earlychristianwritings.com/text/shepherd-lightfoot.html
Conclusion
Any Complete Gospel Preaching shouldn’t just Preach the “Forgiveness of Sins part” but also the “Inheritance of the Kingdom aspect” as both pertain to “FAITH and SANCTIFIFICATION Works accordingly” and this Doctrine was Taught by CHRIST HIMSELF in Verses below Majestically (where only those ‘blinded by Satan’ cannot see the Magnificence of this Promise’), in full:
“… to open their eyes, in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, THAT THEY MAY RECEIVE THE FORGIVENESS OF SINS AND AN INHERITANCE AMONG THOSE WHO ARE SANCTIFIED BY FAITH IN ME. 19“Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, 20but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, THAT THEY SHOULD REPENT, turn to God, and DO WORKS BEFITING REPENTANCE ….” (Acts 26:18 – 20, NKJV)
Comments:
Can you see it please ‘as it is Written’?
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-zX7XgzguBYHkXWucUZ6xfMInbwtj0Z3/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MiCYDzxbOc0yAZhT9Es9U7yL6XLuV0Qz/view?usp=sharing
iii) Pages 91 to 92 or Pages 135 to 149
discusses the “SAVED BY FIRE but WITHOUT REWARD POSSIBILITIES” in the free pdf #EternalhellAnnihilationandUniversalismBook in link below:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1N5bK-LoBAg4VQN8eLtVWsqkQyoGE0Ad_/view?usp=sharing
This further Mysterious “Possibility” of the “MYSTERY OF THE THIRSTY ONES GIVEN THE WATER OF LIFE FREELY” is discussed in the same Books above in examples below:
Peace to you
Summary: Work of God as Referring to Any Benefit Done toward Christians and Possibilities Beyond
“… 5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6I PLANTED, APOLLOS WATERED, but GOD GAVE THE INCREASE. 7So then NEITHER HE WHO PLANTS IS ANYTHING, NOR HE WHO WATERS, BUT GOD WHO GIVES THE INCREASE. 8Now HE WHO PLANTS AND HE WHO WATERS ARE ONE, and EACH ONE WILL RECEIVE HIS OWN REWARD ACCORDING TO HIS OWN LABOR. 9For we are God’s fellow workers; YOU ARE GOD’s FIELD, YOU ARE GOD’s BUILDING. 10According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But LET EACH ONE TAKE HEED HOW HE BUILDS ON IT. 11For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if anyone builds on this foundation with GOLD, SILVER, PRECIOUS STONES, wood, hay, straw, 13each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, HE WILL RECEIVE A REWARD. 15If anyone’s WORK IS BURNED, HE WILL SUFFER LOSS; but HE HIMSELF WILL BE SAVED, YET SO AS THROUGH FIRE.” (1 Corinthians 3:5 – 15, NKJV)
Comments:
1) The person who ‘converts others’ (the one ‘who plants’) and the person who ‘gives things beneficial to the converts’ (the one ‘who waters’) are NOTHING but just VESSELS USED by GOD (meaning it is actually GOD ALONE WHO IS DOING the WORK through them, the “Jesus in You” Principle)
“… 5Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? 6I PLANTED, APOLLOS WATERED, but GOD GAVE THE INCREASE. 7So then NEITHER HE WHO PLANTS IS ANYTHING, NOR HE WHO WATERS, BUT GOD WHO GIVES THE INCREASE. …”(1 Corinthians 3:5 – 7, NKJV)
2) The person who ‘converts others’ (the one ‘who plants’) and the person who ‘gives things beneficial to the converts’ (the one ‘who waters’) are “one” (or ‘equal In ministry value’) meaning the popular myth of ‘those who convert you are doing the greatest ministry work’ is clearly refuted here
“… 8Now HE WHO PLANTS AND HE WHO WATERS ARE ONE, …” (1 Corinthians 3:8, NKJV)
3) Relative Measure for LABOUR part (or “Work” and not ‘Faith only’)
“… and EACH ONE WILL RECEIVE HIS OWN REWARD ACCORDING TO HIS OWN LABOR….”
(1 Corinthians 3:8, NKJV)
4) Building on God’s Work is Described here directly as “DOING SOMETHING WHICH BENEFITS OTHER CHRISTIANS (BELIEVERS)” which is the CHARITY DOCTRINE with WORLDLY GOODS or SPIRITUAL GOODS because the “Christians” are called as the “Building” and so the “Work” done on them refers to “Benefits” given to “them”
“… 9For we are God’s fellow workers; YOU ARE GOD’s FIELD, YOU ARE GOD’s BUILDING. 10According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But LET EACH ONE TAKE HEED HOW HE BUILDS ON IT. …” (1 Corinthians 3:9, NKJV)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-zX7XgzguBYHkXWucUZ6xfMInbwtj0Z3/view?usp=sharing
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_avSqmISwjySSj5rF5v5AoXXNnfIVB6H/view?usp=sharing
Please note carefully that I’m “NOT” saying that this “Mystery part” must certainly be true but rather that this is “POSSIBLE” in light of these Verses and more (as discussed in links or pages quoted above) and so to be “HONEST” I present it and since I AM NOT SURE ENTIRELY which is the case, I accept it either way when God Reveals it One Day.
5) Not all Reward Levels are the same and each Christian is exhorted to BUILD (WORK) on BENEFITTING other CHRISTIANS (which is the CHARITY DOCTRINE with SPIRITUAL and EARTHLY GOODS, implied metaphorically so clearly here)
“… . But LET EACH ONE TAKE HEED HOW HE BUILDS ON IT. 11For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if anyone builds on this foundation with GOLD, SILVER, PRECIOUS STONES, wood, hay, straw, 13each one’s work will become clear; …” (1 Corinthians 3:10 – 13, NKJV)
Note: Foundation = JESUS CHRIST (so the BUILDING WORK is based on HOW MUCH OF HIS COMMANDS WE FULFILL too and most of Christ’s Commands are referring to the CHARITY DOCTRINE LIFESTYLE as you can read the New Testament especially the GOSPELS)
6) This Verse seems to Point to JUDGMENT DAY Context because the FIRE seems to refer to the LAKE of FIRE Context which is only on JUDGMENT DAY (1000 years after the First Resurrection, Revelation 20:5) and the WORK is TESTED
“… 13each one’s work will become clear; for the DAY will declare it, because IT WILL BE REVEALED BY FIRE; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. …” (1 Corinthians 3:13, NKJV)
7) Not everyone gets a REWARD but only those whose WORK REMAINS under SCRUTINY by GOD’s FIRE against CHRIST’S FOUNDATION of HIS COMMANDS of both FAITH or BELIEVING and WORK (since God is PERFECT, His Standards of Scrutiny will Reveal every intent)
“… 14If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, HE WILL RECEIVE A REWARD. …” …” (1 Corinthians 3:14, NKJV)
8) Not everyone gets a Reward as some are only “SAVED BY FIRE”
“… 15If anyone’s WORK IS BURNED, HE WILL SUFFER LOSS; but HE HIMSELF WILL BE SAVED, YET SO AS THROUGH FIRE.” (1 Corinthians 3:15, NKJV)
Possibilities:
Note: TWISTING is when you say that it must mean that 100% but in the end you are wrong which in contrast to considering possibilities on such difficult thing is NOT TWISTING as we never said the one who turns out to be right to be wrong, just not sure which.
There are three types of Reward Level in the Heavens for Christians namely, the “THIRTYFOLD vs SIXTYFOLD vs HUNDREFOLD“, Verse:
“… But others fell on GOOD GROUND and yielded a crop: some a HUNDREDFOLD, SOME SIXTY, SOME THIRTY. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:8, NKJV)
The only Verse which Describes the HUNDREFOLD Harvest of the Gospel (Matthew 13:8) Point to an ACTION of VOLUNTARY POVERTY or LEAVING SOMETHING SIGNIFICANT for the GOSPEL WORK in some Way such as “… leaving WIFE …” (can include the Context of being Unmarried for the Gospel Work) or “… leaving Family (father, mother, brother) …” (to Preach the Gospel or reach out to others or be rejected at home due to your faith) or “… leaving LANDS and HOUSES …” (i.e. literal Charity Doctrine Lifestyle as other New Testament Verses describe this Giving/Sharing, e.g. Acts 2:44 – 46, Acts 4:32) in some Way, Verses:
“… 27Then Peter answered and said to Him, “See, we have LEFT ALL and FOLLOWED YOU. Therefore what shall we have?” 28So Jesus said to them, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the REGENERATION, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29And EVERYONE who has LEFT HOUSES or brothers or sisters or father or mother or WIFE or children or LANDS, for MY NAME’S SAKE, shall RECEIVE a HUNDREDFOLD, and INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE. 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST. …” (Matthew 19:27 – 30, NKJV)
Note: This “HUNDREDFOLD Reward” is “not” given now in this life as some Prosperity Gospel Preaches err (claiming that they are fulfilling this Verse) but rather this Reward is clearly Pointed by CHRIST HIMSELF to refer to the REGENERATION as it is GIVEN TOGETHER WITH ETERNAL LIFE TOO (First Resurrection Timeline, Revelation 20:4 – 6) in Verses above refuting this common fallacy.
Here’s a Mystery: Contrary to the popular misunderstanding that the term “… 30But MANY who are FIRST will be LAST, and the LAST FIRST. …” means all Christians get equal rewards (be it thirtyfold, sixtyfold or hundredfold contradicting even the Gold, Silver vs Precious Stones analogy of reward in 1 Corinthians 3:12 too), the True Meaning is Revealed here by CHRIST HIMSELF that the FIRST refers to the HUNDREDFOLD TYPE OF REWARD and it is to be OBTAINED by the WORKS of RENUNCIATION mentioned here ‘as it is Written’.
Also, the phrase “…. shall RECEIVE a HUNDREDFOLD, and INHERIT ETERNAL LIFE. …” points to two things namely:
It is “not” mentioned that Prayer/ Fasting/ Church Attendance/ Worship / Number of Converts/ Church Size/ How many people you baptized is going to give this HUNDREDFOLD REWARD but only these things are WRITTEN (if there are other ways, let God Decide One Day but one of these things is certain for a HUNDREFOLD REWARD) namely “… . 29And EVERYONE who has LEFT HOUSES or brothers or sisters or father or mother or WIFE or children or LANDS, for MY NAME’S SAKE, shall RECEIVE a HUNDREDFOLD …” BY CHRIST HIMSELF DIRECTLY (so this is the HIGHEST WISDOM for HEAVENLY REWARDS DOCTRINE).
Note: The HUNDREDFOLD Reward is the Highest Reward in His Kingdom as these Verses and First Christianity Quotes have Taught and I have quoted in my free pdf books which you can download from links available on my Facebook Wall or Website if keen.
Peace to you
A Solemn Reminder
Charity Doctrine or Love in Action of Giving and Sharing is every Christian’s Calling by Relative Measure
Image illustrates the Parable of the Good Samaritan by Christ Himself (in Luke 10:25 – 37) as the Answer to “What to do for Eternal Life?”
An Example Case Study – Risky Christianity – Kathryn Kuhlman
1) Why is this Important?
Recently, I saw a few people posting about the women charismatic evangelist Kathryn Kuhlman and so I think there could be “danger” in her ways and so I decided to write this.
The “MAIN PROBLEM” in “HER THEOLOGY” and “MIRACLE CLAIMS” is that “SHE SAYS THAT THE HOLY SPIRIT told me this and that” and so if she is “wrong” (quoting the Holy Spirit), the RISK of the UNPARDONABLE SIN is there and so CHRISTIANS who CLAIM that SHE SPOKE by the HOLY SPIRIT could also be led to COMMIT the UNFORGIVABLE BLASPHEMY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT under the CONDITION IF SHE WAS WRONG, Verses:
“… 31“Therefore I say to you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven men. 32Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him, either in this age or in the age to come. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 12:31 – 32, NKJV)
In contrast, without Quoting the Most Blessed Holy Spirit of God but stating it as our own opinion/oracle is “not” damnable as God Himself showed Mercy by His Unchanging Principle as discussed in post in link below or as discussed in the first chapter in this book:
https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.ramachandran/posts/10161461938352784
I am “not” Judging her “nor” the Christians (even pastors who quote her) that they must go to eternal Hell if wrong (but just pointing out that the risk is really great against them as I shall demonstrate a few proofs which they may have not known about her, and hence may God have Mercy on whom He Wills).
However, I don’t need to Judge her and her followers because she is the “pioneer” of how a “woman can become a pastor” and so to have big woman support (against say against 1 Timothy 2:12, 1 Corinthians 14:33 – 34), modern pastors often quote her (example link below):
Note: Regarding my personal standpoint, I have already explained in the past that I am “neutral” about whether “God Showed them this NEW WAY of WOMAN PASTORS etc.” which are only present in the 20th Century onward but the APPROVED BIBLE WAY of NOT HAVING ANY WOMAN PASTORS and OBEYING OTHER NEW TESTAMENT “WRITTEN” TRADITIONS is what I uphold simply because that WAY CANNOT BE CONDEMNED (by Kathryn Kuhlman or your pastor or whoever) simply because it has been APPROVED IN NEW TESTAMENT BIBLE VERSES (e.g. 1 Corinthians 14:37, 2 Peter 3:2, 1 Timothy 2:12, 1 Corinthians 14:33 – 34). The LACK of WOMAN SUPPORT or their WORDS AGAINST these VERSES doesn’t bother me at all since we are “not” called to ‘exalt miracles nor women’ but THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD TO HONOUR HIM. Example Verses:
“… But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign will be given to it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. …” (Matthew 12:39, NKJV)
“… 13HOLD FAST The PATTERN OF SOUND WORDS which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus. 14That good thing which was committed to you, KEEP BY THE HOLY SPIRIT who dwells in us. …” (2 Timothy 1:13 – 14, NKJV)
iii) The HOLY SPIRIT will “not” SPEAK of HIMSELF but only about CHRIST and HIS COMMANDS (which belong to Him)
“… Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for HE SHALL NOT SPEAK OF HIMSELF; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14HE SHALL GLORIFY ME: for HE SHALL RECEIVE OF MINE, and SHALL SHEW IT UNTO YOU. 15All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:13 – 15 , KJV)
“… 19“A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also. 20At that day you will know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21He who has MY COMMANDMENTS AND KEEPS THEM, it is HE WHO LOVES ME. And HE WHO LOVES ME will be LOVED BY MY FATHER, and I WILL LOVE HIM and [f]MANIFEST MYSELF TO HIM.” …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (John 14:19 – 21, NKJV)
So their praising of ‘Kathryn Kuhlman’ or ‘other women pastors’ exalts themselves and their churches or converts but NOT these Bible Verses (and so it can be really ‘risky’). What if I am wrong in “not” endorsing all these modern ways?
Ask yourself wisely please: We are following Bible Verses and these guys are the ones doing ‘new ways’ in these aspects. Also, please read the Pages 443 to 465 of the #MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook (as too many details to quote here) and ask yourself whether Blessed Martin Luther (the First Protestant), Blessed John Calvin (Founder of Calvinism), Blessed John Wesley (Founder of Methodism) or even Blessed Charles Spurgeon (the Prince of Preachers) are GOING TO BE UNSAVED or to HELL as they DIDN’T EVEN ALLOW such a POSSIBILITY for WOMEN PASTORS or FOR IGNORING NEW TESTAMENT WRITTEN TRADITIONS where we actually allow it just in case ‘God showed them a new way in the 20th century onward’. Can you see it?
If they and Kathryn Kuhlman turn out to be right and God Spoke to her, then “NEITHER DID I COMMIT any BLASPHEMY of the HOLY SPIRIT” as on this cases I often take the NEUTRAL STAND and JUDGE NOT (Matthew 7:1 – 2).
2) Reformed Protestants View
Also this is the case the REFORMED THEOLOGIANS such as Mr. JUSTIN PETERS could be at risk as they don’t hesitate to call KATHRYN KUHLMAN as a ‘FALSE PROPHET’ (example in image below)
Source for Image: https://twitter.com/justinpetersmin/status/1080989208611741697?lang=en
By “risk” I mean if Kathryn Kuhlman and her supporters are right, then Mr. Justin Peters and the reformed group may be in risk of committing the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. However, let God Alone Decide as he can have Mercy on whomever He Wills.
My point is this: Please just follow Written Bible Verses as the ‘Safe Route Scripturally’.
If some women don’t want to believe in Christ if the Church obeys says 1 Timothy 2:12 or 1 Corinthians 14:33 – 34, then is that called faith? Faith is “not” putting conditions to please such women in that ‘only if God allows a woman to do this and that in His House’, then that Christianity is to be accepted as this looks more like a type of idolatry or ‘women worship’.
Truth is, exalting God is NOT exalting Miracles NOR exalting Kathryn Kuhlman NOR in the NUMBER OF CONVERTS which DO AND PREACH AGAINST NEW TESTAMENT TRADITIONS but in PREACHING and OBEYING HIS WRITTEN COMMANDS. This position is Biblical and is upheld well by the Reformed Group.
Being “Born Again” is not described as Miracles, Speaking in Tongues, Understanding Prophecy as all that are “not” Commands because these Verses next Prove that these are Gifts which are Good but not the “Most Excellent Way of Agape (Love)” where “Love in Action is the Charity Doctrine Lifestyle Commands”, Example Verses (which also proves that not all Christians have these Gifts but are still “Born Again”):
“… 27Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. 28And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues. 29Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are ALL WORKERS OF MIRACLES? 30DO ALL HAVE GIFTS OF HEALINGS? DO ALL SPEAK WITH TONGUES? Do all interpret? 31But earnestly desire the [i]best gifts. And YET I SHOW YOU A MORE EXCELLENT WAY [of Agape/Love]. …” (1 Corinthians 12:27 – 30, NKJV)
“… 16By this WE KNOW LOVE, because He laid down His life for us. And we also OUGHT TO LAY DOWN OUR LIVES FOR THE BRETHREN. 17But WHOEVER HAS THIS WORLD’S GOODS, and SEES HIS BROTHER IN NEED, AND SHUTS UP HIS HEART FROM HIM, HOW DOES THE LOVE OF GOD ABIDE IN HIM? 18My little children, let us NOT LOVE IN WORD or IN TONGUE, BUT IN DEED AND IN TRUTH …” (1 John 3:16 – 18, NKJV)
There’s more because Christ’s Own Most Blessed Words below may Reveal the “Why” part:
“… But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and NOT DO THE THINGS WHICH I SAY? …” – The KING, Most Blessed Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 6:46, NKJV)
The same ones who called Him “… Lord, Lord …” for MANY (meaning “not” few, only “few” will be right among the End-Time Christianity which remains when He Returns) are DENIED for NOT DOING HIS COMMANDS to BUILD THE HOUSE on the ROCK but focused on spiritual gifts of ‘… casting out demons, prophesying, and miracles …’ instead in Matthew 7:20 – 24 (‘same phrase used’) which I have already discussed in this Book in Pages 41 to 42.
3) Kathryn Kuhlman’s “Possible” Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit Example
Example quote:
“… The Rapture comes, the Great catching up comes on the very threshold of the Great Tribulation. First the rapture, when Jesus comes for His Church, 7 years of Great Tribulation, suffering as this world has never known. Neither will man ever know such suffering again. We are on the very threshold on that now. The world at this very hour even when I’m speaking to you is on the very threshold of that time of great suffering of great tribulation. Following the 7 years of Great Tribulation, then we have Jesus coming back to earth in bodily form. …” – Kathryn Kuhlman
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh15oLDnng8
The fuller Video for excerpt above may be found in the ‘official Kathryn Kuhlman supporting type of channel’ in link here too: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KDhl8dLePsg
Regarding “Post-Tribulation Rapture”, I have discussed it in Pages 476 to 534 in the #MysteryoftheKingdomofHeavenBook where the quotes from Protestant reformers such as Blessed Martin Luther (the First Protestant), Blessed John Calvin (Founder of Calvinism), Blessed John Wesley (Founder of Methodism) or even Blessed Charles Spurgeon (the Prince of Preachers) or William Tyndale (Important English Translator of Bible for Protestants) and others taught “Post Tribulation Rapture only” as per the early Church Fathers of First Christianity too CONTRADICTING clearly KATHRYN KUHLMAN’s Words here.
Which Doctrine is most likely right?
Kathryn Kuhlman’s Pre-Tribulation Rapture Doctrine or “Post-Tribulation Rapture” Doctrine by Blessed Martin Luther (the First Protestant), Blessed John Calvin (Founder of Calvinism), Blessed John Wesley (Founder of Methodism) or even Blessed Charles Spurgeon (the Prince of Preachers) or William Tyndale (Important English Translator of Bible for Protestants) and others with CHURCH FATHERS too?
How? To quote (from 1 minutes 20 seconds onward in this video):
“… I believe that THIS IS THE VERY LAST YOUTH GENERATION BEFORE THE GREAT TRIBULATION. I believe that I got to believe it KNOWING the WORD OF PROPHECY as I DO. This is the LAST YOUTH GENERATION BEFORE THE GREAT TRIBULATION. SITTING HERE IN THIS ASSEMBLY IN THIS MONDAY MORNING, face it, face that, FACE GOD, face reality, FACE TRUTH. YOU YOUNG PEOPLE [SITTING HERE] are the LAST YOUTH GENERATION in THIS DISPENSATION. …” – Kathryn Kuhlman
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LmRCqhCS9I
Comments:
“… 19And it shall be that whoever will not hear My words, which He speaks in My name, I will require it of him. 20But THE PROPHET WHO PRESUMES TO SPEAK A WORD IN MY NAME, WHICH I HAVE NOT COMMANDED HIM TO SPEAK, or who speaks in the name of other gods, THAT PROPHET SHALL DIE.’ 21And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word which the Lord has not spoken?’— 22WHEN A PROPHET SPEAKS IN THE NAME OF THE LORD, IF THE THING DOES NOT HAPPEN OR COME TO PASS, THAT IS THE THING WHICH THE LORD HAS NOT SPOKEN; the prophet has spoken it presumptuously; YOU SHALL NOT BE AFRAID OF HIM. …” (Deuteronomy 18:19 – 22, NKJV)
Unlike we who give some “possibility” that maybe she can find God’s Mercy, the “Reformed Theologians” are “not” so flexible and condemn Kathryn Kuhlman harshly, examples in links below:
https://safeguardyoursoul.com/kathryn-kuhlman-exposed/
https://discernmentministriesinternational.wordpress.com/category/kathryn-kuhlman/
“… Benny Hinn was born in Israel and eventually migrated to Canada. He started off in the Greek Orthodox church, but then he gravitated more towards Pentecostal and charismatic Christianity. As Hinn tells the story, one of the most important formative influences for him was a woman named Kathryn Kuhlman, who was a very influential charismatic healing evangelist in the 1960s and 70s. He attended a Kuhlman miracle service in 1973, and he modeled a lot of his ministry after hers. …”
To quote from the #CharityDoctrineBook (more details in Pages 19 to 22):
Pastor Benny Hinn is very important to many evangelical Christians especially to those in the Charismatic Movement denomination and Churches because they believe that he speaks directly to the Holy Spirit and can do Miracles such as Casting out of Demons, Prophesying etc. Here are direct proof videos in his own words WHERE HE REPENTS OF THE PROSPERITY GOSPEL:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8qUQwmwC7Oc
or
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FpNVR_HWzxY
Example Quote:
“… it’s an offense to the Holy Spirit to place a price on the gospel.” … “I’m done with it. I will never again ask you to give a thousand or whatever amount, because I think the Holy Ghost is just fed up with it. . . . . I think that hurts the gospel.” … “I think giving has become such a gimmick that it’s making me sick to my stomach.” … “I think it’s time we say it like it is: The gospel is not for sale. And the blessings of God are not for sale, and miracles are not for sale. And prosperity is not for sale.” …” – Pastor Benny Hinn
Source:
So that means there’s no more ‘faith for money’ right?
Comment: Pastor Benny Hinn’s own words prove that the “Holy Spirit” never APPROVED of his PROSPERITY GOSPEL and is ANGRY of it. So, I don’t know if those who simply Prophesied Money in God’s Name like that calling it Blessings by using the Most Blessed Name of the Holy Spirit of God can be forgiven or not (according to whether it is considered the Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit or not as per Matthew 12:31 – 32 and as Blessed Martin Luther the First Reformer Prophesied as discussed in an earlier post below regarding such “Many” who may be “Denied” including those who “Prophesied” as Christ Clearly Warned in Matthew 7:21 – 23), but it’s “Possible”. Maybe God Will Forgive if they Repent now and vice versa (Let Him Alone Decide):
https://www.facebook.com/651792783/posts/10160885716652784/?substory_index=0
Peace to you
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