Bible PROPHECY for the ENDtime

[jsm]

Those who come in sheep's clothing represent teachers of falsehood who try in various ways to draw people away from the the clear teachings of the Bible. They are [knowing OR unknowing] agents of Satan, who is a master at deception.

[Musicman1228]

You are 100% correct, jsm. Well said.

A wolf in sheep's clothing is still under the disguise a wolf. To the sheep this creature looks just like them in every detail. I walks like them and talks like them. It may even have shown them HOW to walk the walk and talk the talk. The disguise is so convincing and so complete that it could fool even the elect (if it were possible for them to be fooled). So in actual fact this wolf looks like and talks like a dedicated, Holy Spirit filled Christian. This creature could look like a beloved pastor or evangelist, teacher or preacher, close friend or family member, or an apostle or prophet. The only way to know for sure if they are the genuine article is to look under their clothes, under the surface; strip them bare and see what they are made of. And what can you compare them too that will prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that they are genuine? You must compare them to the original, that is, Jesus Christ Himself. There are lots of people who claim that they are 'of Christ', but the only sure thing is to go by the words of those that were with Jesus during His ministry on earth. No one else has the capability of showing us the real Jesus other than His own disciples who were the eyewitnesses to His life and teachings.

Many will say, "No, that's not the way it is done. You must accept the words of anyone that makes the claim of authority. After all God would not let them make that claim unless it were true." But that is the whole point of a deception, to fool people into believing a lie is in fact the truth.

In Matt.25:1-13 we see 5 Wise bridesmaids and 5 Foolish bridesmaids who are all in the Kingdom of Heaven. Why are the 5 foolish bridesmaids name so? Because they have been fooled into believing that the Jesus they have come to know and love through the ministry of the 'apostles apostle' and a 'prophet of the church' is the real thing. But unfortunately at the end of the story Jesus disabuses them of this by telling them they cannot come into the marriage feast because He does not know them. They have believed a lie so thoroughly that to them it became truth; but it was still a lie. These 5 Foolish bridesmaids will be lost forever (before the great tribulation even begins) because they allowed themselves to be fooled by a 'wolf in sheep's clothing' that was so convincing that he became the leading apostle and founder of the Christian church, and the prophet became the foundation of the Kingdom of Heaven.

At the very least this is worth investigating with an open and honest heart. Satan is not called the 'Great Deceiver' because he is not good at it. It is easy to be fooled, which is why Jesus said,

“See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, ‘I am the (of) Christ,’ and they will lead many astray." Matt.24: 4-5.

[Guest]

I walks like them and talks like them.

Finally some truth out of you. Only your disguise isn't that good.

[Dr. Rich]

If the disguise isn't that good, then we can't be wolves in sheep's clothing--right?

Now for the next big question: How do you tell the difference between a "wheat" and a "tare"? Anyone out there have a clue?

[jsm]

Rich, it's your turn to tell us: What is the difference between a wheat and a tare?

Surely you know that MM's expanded version of a wolf in sheep's clothing is his own, and not fully Bible based. There is just enough error mixed in to make it all dangerous.

[Musicman1228]

Rich, it's your turn to tell us: What is the difference between a wheat and a tare?

Surely you know that MM's expanded version of a wolf in sheep's clothing is his own, and not fully Bible based. There is just enough error mixed in to make it all dangerous.

Jsm,

You make a statement and then don't prove what you say from Scripture. Are we to just take your word that what I have said is dangerous, or are you going put the words of Jesus to the test and show me where I am wrong?

[Dr. Rich]

jsm, you stuck your foot in your mouth, go ahead and tell us what your guess is on the wheat and tare. Can you see them now? I can answer it but not now. I want you to answer this one because only the bondservants do this and I want to see how many bondservants there are out there.

[jsm]

Rich, if you don't know the difference between wheat and tares, just say so.

MM, you need to study the complete Bible for the answers. There is always much more there for us all to learn.

My explanation would not help now, because you do not accept the complete Bible; and it will be difficult for you to understand until you do accept and prayerfully study all the divinely inspired writings available to us.

But here is a partial explanation:

Jesus said we will recognize the wolves "by their fruits." And then He said a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Matthew 7:15-18. That is the fruit of right actions from pure, unselfish motives.

The Bible and any psychologist will tell you our natural motives are self-centered; and the Bible makes it plain that only the Holy Spirit can change our basic motive to God-like love. It is a "fruit of the Spirit." Galatians 5:22.

This good fruit is the Christ-like quality of the character, and is gained by the inner working of the Holy Spirit as we maintain an abiding relationship with Christ. John 15:5; Ezekiel 36:26-27.

Matthew 25:1-3

Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were FOOLISH took their lamps, and TOOK NO OIL with them.

The OIL for the lamps represents the HOLY SPIRIT:

Zechariah 4:2-6

And [the angel] said unto me, What seest thou? And I said, I have looked, and behold a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl upon the top of it, and his seven LAMPS thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are upon the top thereof:

And two olive trees by it [supplying OIL through the pipes], one upon the right side of the bowl, and the other upon the left side thereof.

So I answered and spake to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord?

Then the angel that talked with me answered and said unto me, Knowest thou not what these be? And I said, No, my lord.

Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by MY SPIRIT, saith the LORD of hosts.

The symbol of OIL representing the HOLY SPIRIT is also evident in the following verse:

1 Samuel 16.:13

Then Samuel took the horn of OIL, and anointed him in the midst of his brethren: and the SPIRIT of the LORD came upon David from that day forward.

Even near the very end of probationary time, many whom Christ calls “My people” [bearing good fruit] will still be in symbolic Babylon. Revelation 18:4.

“Those who profess the truth and think they know it all before they have learned its first principles, and who are forward to take the place of teachers and reprove those who for years have stood stiffly for the truth, plainly show that they have no understanding of the truth, and know none of its effects; for if they knew any of the sanctifying power, they should yield the peaceable fruits of righteousness and be humbled under its sweet, powerful influence. They would bear fruit to the glory of God, and understand what the truth has done for them, and esteem others better than themselves.” EW 119.

[Dr. Rich]

Gentlemen, to answer the question about the wheat and the tares, you can right now call in 646-716-8390 and find out. Please 'wave your hand' to let us know you want to talk. Enjoy!

[Dr. Rich]

If you missed it, you can download it at: www.blogtalkradio.com/sot Enjoy!

[Dr. Rich]

No Richard, MM does NOT talk and walk like a wolf is sheep's clothing. Please do not go around attacking people. It violates one of the rules here. MM gave a wonderful explanation on a wolf in sheep's clothing and if you don't understand, perhaps it is a stumbling block for you.

[jsm]

Rich, that unlisted number you want us to call is scary! After spending all that money on long-distance, how can we be absolutely certain the person answering is not a deceptive TARE???

[Musicman1228]

Jsm,

I will tell you what we will do: we will install an 800 number so that you can call in on our nickel. Then you don't have to be afraid that you will be wasting money on a 'tare'. Then you can call and talk with us and find out if we are the real deal or a counterfeit. I'll try to have this ready for next weeks show.

[Dr. Rich]

OR-just email your phone number and we will call you. OR- you can do what most of our callers do from all around the world, they call us on skype. Our skype address is "doctor.rich" or you can give us your skype address. There are many ways to do this so no one should have any fear.

[jsm]

What is represented by the WHEAT and TARES?

The BIBLE gives the answer:

“The field is the world, the GOOD SEEDS ARE the SONS OF THE KINGDOM, but the TARES ARE the SONS OF THE WICKED ONE [THE DEVIL]. The enemy who sowed them is THE DEVIL.” Matthew 13:38-39.

The TARES have two main characteristics:

1. They do NOT practice RIGHTEOUSNESS.

2. They do NOT have LOVE for others.

“In this the CHILDREN OF GOD and the CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL are manifest: Whoever does not PRACTICE RIGHTEOUSNESS is not of God, nor is he who does not LOVE HIS BROTHER.” 1 John 3:10.

Only GOD can produce in us the motive of LOVE. It is a "FRUIT of the SPIRIT. Galatians 5:22.

"LOVE IS OF GOD, and everyone who LOVES is BORN OF GOD." 1 John 4:7.

The TARES are SINNERS, and ALL have sinned:

“HE WHO SINS IS OF THE DEVIL, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose [Jesus] the Son of God was manifested, that He might DESTROY the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8.

"ALL HAVE SINNED." Romans 3:23. But JESUS came to "save His people FROM their SINS." Matthew 1:21.

HE CAME TO CALL SINNERS TO REPENTANCE, FORGIVE US OUR SINS IF WE CONFESS, AND then TO CLEANSE US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS [a characteristic of the TARES].

Jesus said, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but SINNERS, to REPENTANCE.” Matthew 9:13.

“IF WE CONFESS our SINS, HE is faithful and just to FORGIVE us our sins AND to CLEANSE us from all UNrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

Yes, there is HOPE for us TARES if WE CHANGE -- IF we fully ACCEPT CHRIST and are BORN OF THE SPIRIT.

"The one who comes to Me," Jesus said, "I will by no means cast out." John 6:37.

AND:

"Unless one is BORN of water and of the SPIRIT, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." John 3:5.

[Musicman1228]

What is represented by the WHEAT and TARES?

The BIBLE gives the answer:

“The field is the world, the GOOD SEEDS ARE the SONS OF THE KINGDOM, but the TARES ARE the SONS OF THE WICKED ONE [THE DEVIL]. The enemy who sowed them is THE DEVIL.” Matthew 13:38-39.

The TARES have two main characteristics:

1. They do NOT practice RIGHTEOUSNESS.

2. They do NOT have LOVE for others.

“In this the CHILDREN OF GOD and the CHILDREN OF THE DEVIL are manifest: Whoever does not PRACTICE RIGHTEOUSNESS is not of God, nor is he who does not LOVE HIS BROTHER.” 1 John 3:10.

Only GOD can produce in us the motive of LOVE. It is a "FRUIT of the SPIRIT. Galatians 5:22.

"LOVE IS OF GOD, and everyone who LOVES is BORN OF GOD." 1 John 4:7.

The TARES are SINNERS, and ALL have sinned:

“HE WHO SINS IS OF THE DEVIL, for the devil has sinned from the beginning. For this purpose [Jesus] the Son of God was manifested, that He might DESTROY the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:8.

"ALL HAVE SINNED." Romans 3:23. But JESUS came to "save His people FROM their SINS." Matthew 1:21.

HE CAME TO CALL SINNERS TO REPENTANCE, FORGIVE US OUR SINS IF WE CONFESS, AND then TO CLEANSE US FROM ALL UNRIGHTEOUSNESS [a characteristic of the TARES].

Jesus said, “Go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I did not come to call the righteous, but SINNERS, to REPENTANCE.” Matthew 9:13.

“IF WE CONFESS our SINS, HE is faithful and just to FORGIVE us our sins AND to CLEANSE us from all UNrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

Yes, there is HOPE for us TARES if WE CHANGE -- IF we fully ACCEPT CHRIST and are BORN OF THE SPIRIT.

"The one who comes to Me," Jesus said, "I will by no means cast out." John 6:37.

AND:

"Unless one is BORN of water and of the SPIRIT, he cannot enter the kingdom of God." John 3:5.

Good stuff, jsm. I agree with most of it.

You mentioned the two characteristics of the Tares. I didn't think practicing righteousness was necessary because we are saved by grace through faith. In fact, if you actually try to become righteous you are denying the fact that Christ's righteousness covers your filthy rags. Please tell me how this works as this is confusing.

[jsm]

MM, thanks for your kind response. Many have the same questions you ask. They are so very important, and I want to give clear and complete answers from the Bible. This will take a little time, so please be patient. jsm

[Dr. Rich]

Jsm, you wrote lots of stuff in an attempt to prove your point. Kinda reminds me of Paul and EGW's writings. Problem is, God's words are simple and to the point.

God simply told Adam NOT to eat from 'the' tree. God never told Adam just to have 'faith' in Him. It was Satan who changed things when He came into the picture, because he painted a new picture of God who is full of unconditional love. He wanted to have Eve and Adam to believe that all God wanted was for them to have 'faith' in God and it did not matter if they obeyed or not. "Just have faith that God will not kill you!"

So, Jsm, you have the choice to believe what you want. For me, I will stick to what Jesus said about obeying Him since I am a bondservant who accepted His offer to pay the price for my penalty of sinning. I know that it would do me no good to pay the penalty because if I did, then I would be toast.

A bond servant is NOT free to believe anything he wants and is not free to do what ever he wants. A bond servant only does what his Master wants him to do. Rev. 12:17 shows just what that is and as for me, that is exactly what I am doing!

[jsm]

WOW! The computer said it didn't go through; so I tried it again --- and again it said it didn't go through.

So I decided to improve it and try later.

SO JOHN, PLEASE DELETE MY ABOVE TWO POSTS.

THE NEXT POST IS AN IMPROVED VERSION.

[jsm]

IMPROVED VERSION

=================

MM wrote:

Good stuff, jsm. I agree with most of it.

You mentioned the two characteristics of the Tares. I didn't think practicing righteousness was necessary because we are saved by grace through faith. In fact, if you actually try to become righteous you are denying the fact that Christ's righteousness covers your filthy rags. Please tell me how this works as this is confusing.

==============

MM, I was just quoting from the Bible.

"TARES ARE the SONS OF THE WICKED ONE [THE DEVIL]." Matthew 13:38.

"CHILDREN [sons] OF THE DEVIL are manifest: Whoever does NOT PRACTICE RIGHTEOUSNESS...[and]...he who does NOT LOVE HIS BROTHER.” 1 John 3:10.

Notice the combination: God's goal is for us to DO what is right MOTIVATED by love.

==================

Now let’s look at what Jesus said about FAITH:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes [has FAITH] in Him [Jesus] should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Later His disciples said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may work the works of God?”

Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe [have FAITH] in Him [Jesus] whom He sent.” John 6:27-29.

That FAITH in HIM is obviously ESSENTIAL; and the above was also expressed by Paul when he said:

“For by grace you have been SAVED THROUGH FAITH, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, NOT OF WORKS [we are not saved by works], lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9.

But “faith by itself, if it does not have [good] works, is dead.” James 2:17.

Paul continues by saying:

“For WE ARE HIS WORKMANSHIP, created in Christ Jesus for GOOD works [righteousness], which God prepared beforehand that we should WALK in them.” Ephesians 2:10.

This means, “not by [outward] works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the WASHING of regeneration and renewing of [our minds by] the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior.” Titus 3:5-6.

As HIS WORKMANSHIP God said, “I WILL GIVE YOU a NEW HEART and put a NEW SPIRIT within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. I WILL PUT MY SPIRIT WITHIN YOU and CAUSE YOU [MOTIVATE YOU] to walk in My statutes, and you will keep My judgments and do them.” Ezekiel 36:26-27.

We are not saved by good works, but “those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.” Titus 3:8. In fact, God wants us to be “zealous for good works” and “a pattern of good works.” Titus 2:14, 7.

So “We are HIS workmanship, Created in Christ Jesus for good works.” How does that compare with what Jesus said?

First, Jesus gave important illustrations that require FOLLOWING HIS EXAMPLE in addition to the essential work of the Holy Spirit and our FAITH:

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me [’DO and THINK like ME’], for I am gentle and lowly in heart [motives], and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29.

"Therefore WHOEVER HEARS these sayings of mine, AND DOES THEM; I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house upon a rock." Matthew 7:24.

“ABIDE IN ME, and I in you. As the branch cannot BEAR FRUIT of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you ABIDE IN Me.” John 15:4.

The goal of this abiding relationship is to BEAR GOOD FRUIT as our MOTIVE for action. And “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control,” “righteousness, and truth.” Galatians 5:22-23, Ephesians 5:9.

Yes, The MOTIVE of “LOVE IS OF GOD.” 1 John 4:7. We cannot generate it on our own.

But “He who says he ABIDES in Him ought himself also to WALK JUST AS HE WALKED.” 1 John 2:6.

Now notice the COMBINATION of doing what Jesus asks AND the inner work of the Holy Spirit:

“Now he who KEEPS His commandments ABIDES IN HIM, and He in him. And by this we know that HE ABIDES IN US BY THE SPIRIT whom He has given us.” 1 John 3:24.

But while doing what we know to be right, we are to "worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN [WORKS OF] THE FLESH." Philippians 3:3.

Jesus explained why all our righteousness is like filthy rags. Isaiah 64:6. It is because our minds remain contaminated, UNLESS transformed by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus said: "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. Even so YOU also OUTWARDLY APPEAR RIGHTEOUS to men, BUT INSIDE you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness." Matthew 23:27-28.

Jesus also said, “unless your righteousness EXCEEDS the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:20.

Here is what Pharisee Paul said: "If anyone else thinks he may have CONFIDENCE in [works of] the flesh, I more so...Concerning the righteousness which is in the law, [i am] BLAMELESS." Philippians 3:4, 6.

That is exactly what Jesus was talking about to the Pharisees. They appeared clean on the outside, but were contaminated on the inside.

But Paul was now a Christian, so what had changed?

Concerning the outward righteousness which is in the law, he was STILL BLAMELESS [he was still obeying God's law], as stated above; But he now placed NO CONFIDENCE in it.

He said we are to "worship God IN THE SPIRIT, and rejoice IN CHRIST Jesus, and HAVE NO CONFIDENCE IN [WORKS OF] THE FLESH." Philippians 3:3.

“But what things were gain to me” he said, “those I counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count ALL things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, NOT having [confidence in] my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the FAITH of Christ, the RIGHTEOUSNESS WHICH IS OF GOD BY FAITH.” Philippians 3:7-9.

“Do you not see that FAITH WAS WORKING TOGETHER WITH HIS WORKS, and by WORKS his FAITH was made perfect?” James 2:22.

Jesus explained this relationship between faith and works when His disciples asked, “LORD, INCREASE OUR FAITH.” Luke 17:5.

Jesus responded by telling about a servant who did all that his master commanded him to do.

Then Jesus asked:

“Does he [the master] thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. So likewise you, when you have done ALL those things which you are COMMANDED, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. WE HAVE DONE WHAT WAS OUR DUTY TO DO.’” Luke 17:9-10.

So by DOING what God asks, we INCREASE OUR FAITH. That is just plain common sense.

In another illustration Jesus said:

“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish [outward actions], but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish [the mind], that the outside of them may be clean also.” Matthew 23:25-26.

In other words, our right actions must come from right motives before they can be fully acceptable with God. “All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the LORD.” Proverbs 16:2 niv.

"Do we then make void the law through Faith?" Paul asked. "Certainly not. On the contrary, we ESTABLISH the law." Romans 3:31.

How do we ESTABLISH the law? By having the basic principles of LOVE for God and man written in our hearts by the Spirit as our MOTIVE for action.

"If you LOVE ME" Jesus said, "you will obey what I command." John 14:15 niv. And "Love is of God." 1 John 4:7.

David said it this way:

"I DELIGHT [love] to do your will O my God. And Your LAW is WITHIN MY HEART." Psalms 40:8.

"This is the LOVE of God, that we KEEP His commandments AND [or 'PLUS'] His commandments ARE NOT BURDENSOME." 1 John 5:3. [As David said, they are a 'DELIGHT']

EGW explained it this way: “The righteousness of Christ consists in right actions and good works from pure, unselfish MOTIVES. Outside righteousness [like the Pharisees], while the inward adorning is wanting [right motives], will be of no avail.” 3T 528.

IMPUTED RIGHTEOUSNESS by faith:

“And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham BELIEVED God, and it was ACCOUNTED to him FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS.’ And he was called the friend of God.” James 2:23.

“He was wounded for our transgressions,

He was bruised for our iniquities;

The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,

And BY HIS STRIPES WE ARE HEALED.

All we like sheep have gone astray;

We have turned, every one, to his own way;

And THE LORD HAS LAID ON HIM THE INIQUITY OF US.”

Isaiah 53:5-6.

We are accounted worthy through Christ and His righteousness:

“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the RIGHTEOUS.” 1 John 2:1.

IMPARTED RIGHTEOUSNESS through faith:

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness. for they shall be FILLED.” Matthew 5:6.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to CLEANSE us from all UNrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9.

That FILLING and CLEANSING process takes time -- as in growing FRUIT: “for the FRUIT of the Spirit is in all goodness, RIGHTEOUSNESS, and truth.” “Now the FRUIT of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” “being filled with the FRUITS of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:9; James 3:18; Philippians 1:11.

“Most assuredly, I [Jesus] say to you, unless one is born of water [a symbol of cleansing. John 13:10] and the Spirit [the means of cleansing. Ezekiel 36:27], he cannot enter the kingdom of God.” John 3:5.

“This only I want to learn from you: Did you receive THE SPIRIT by the works of the law, or by the hearing of FAITH? Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now being made perfect [righteous] by [works of] the flesh?...For we THROUGH THE SPIRIT eagerly wait for the hope of RIGHTEOUSNESS by FAITH.” Galatians 3:2-3; 5:5.

The time is coming when it will be said of God’s people, “the fine linen is the RIGHTEOUS ACTS of the saints.” Revelation 19:8.

What kind of “ACTS” will they be? Spontaneous acts of kindness motivated by LOVE:

“Then THE RIGHTEOUS will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’” Matthew 25:37-39.

[Guest]

You can delete them yourself, if you don't wait too long. Click on edit, and you will see "delete post".

[Guest]

Jsm, you wrote lots of stuff in an attempt to prove your point. Kinda reminds me of Paul and EGW's writings. Problem is, God's words are simple and to the point.

God simply told Adam NOT to eat from 'the' tree. God never told Adam just to have 'faith' in Him. It was Satan who changed things when He came into the picture, because he painted a new picture of God who is full of unconditional love. He wanted to have Eve and Adam to believe that all God wanted was for them to have 'faith' in God and it did not matter if they obeyed or not. "Just have faith that God will not kill you!"

So, Jsm, you have the choice to believe what you want. For me, I will stick to what Jesus said about obeying Him since I am a bondservant who accepted His offer to pay the price for my penalty of sinning. I know that it would do me no good to pay the penalty because if I did, then I would be toast.

A bond servant is NOT free to believe anything he wants and is not free to do what ever he wants. A bond servant only does what his Master wants him to do. Rev. 12:17 shows just what that is and as for me, that is exactly what I am doing!

Wow! so you claim to read and follow the words of Jesus, but when those very words are shown to you, and shoot down your theories, you can't even understand them. You are in a scary place my friend. Satan has you blinded, and over confident at the same time. Or perhaps you are so sure of yourself, and locked in to your error, that you didn't really bother to read the words of Jesus that jsm posted.

[Dr. Rich]

Richard, did I just hear you violate the rules by calling me a liar?

[John317]

OK, jsm. DONE. :-)

[jsm]

Rich, even if you just read the first part of my post, you would see what Jesus said about FAITH.

Here it is again:

Now let’s look at what Jesus said about FAITH:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son [Jesus], that whoever BELIEVES [has FAITH] in Him [Jesus] should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16.

Later His disciples said to Him, “What shall we do, that we may WORK the WORKS of God?”

Jesus answered and said to them, “THIS IS THE WORK of God, that you BELIEVE [have FAITH] in Him [Jesus] whom He sent.” John 6:27-29.

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John, THANKS MUCH !!!