The Positive Aspects And Hidden Dangers
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These same liberating truths motivated certain evangelical leaders (most notably - Billy Graham) to adopt the hymn 'Just As I Am' as a theme for their invitation to publically receive Christ ... and to be saved. The hymn was written by Charlotte Elliott in 1835 and became the hallmark of Graham's ministry. Never make the mistake of thinking that Evangelicalism is just another teaching about salvation - among many other valid salvation doctrines.
Contrary to the popular unity movement
in the church there is only one valid
evangelistic message taught in the New
Testament;
Salvation by Grace through
faith in Christ apart from works;
as taught in Ephesians 2:4-9 and
Romans 4:4-8.
Although its tenants are not always perfectly communicated, Evangelicalism is the closest modern-day expression of Saint Paul's Gospel of Christ and God's original intentions concerning the sacrifice of His son. This makes it a prime target for those who embrace 'a different gospel and another Jesus'. The best way of destroying Evangelicalism is changing its message - while keeping the same label or name. This strategy is currently being used by those who claim to be 'Evangelical' while working from inside the group to undermine its tenants.
Beyond what has already been presented in this study, it is not our goal to explore, in detail, the various influences and individuals behind evangelicalism's decline. However, we will provide one example that is not an isolated event. Recently, a Baptist pastor with a 'Bible-believing' congregation of over 10,000 members made the following statement from the pulpit - which has now gone viral on the Internet:
"It's insanity to believe that
Jesus is the only way."
Jesus is the only way."
We understand that this example does not represent the beliefs of a majority of true Evangelicals. However, the corruption is quickly spreading as we see more and more church leaders and their followers depart from the New Testament teachings of Saint Paul ... and embrace another Jesus.
Exposing Some Major Strategies
of Anti-Grace Religion
As previously stated, this study is not just limited to the Hebrew Roots movement, but includes a review and amplification of the major truths found in the Pauline Revelation given to the Church. We should always keep in mind that Paul's writings, which reveal the details about how Christ's salvation is received after the cross, represent nearly half of the official New Testament canon.
However, many denominational teachings and doctrines found within Christendom are not based on Paul's epistles - but on the misguided belief that the New Testament is a continuation of the Old Testament program of the law (or Torah).
As mentioned repeatedly throughout our study, this aberrant theology has been around since the first century. It's not new and is often referred to by its supporters as 'Historical or Biblical Christianity'. Yet, Paul's Epistles condemn this popular way of interpreting the Bible. This is why we see so many ministers teach from the Bible, but quietly avoid the truths of the Pauline Revelation - because it exposes the error in their doctrine.
A bold declaration often heard in Bible
studies and other Christian gatherings
is that ...
'God never changes'
It is based on two Scriptures
that state:
studies and other Christian gatherings
is that ...
'God never changes'
It is based on two Scriptures
that state:
"I am the Lord, I change not" (Malachi 3:6)
and "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and
to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8)
and "Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and
to day, and for ever." (Hebrews 13:8)
The declaration often made by various Christians that 'God never changes' actually involves two different Biblical topics; not just one. It is certainly true that God does not change concerning His nature and attributes such as;
... There are others too numerous to list. |
These eternal characteristics involving our Heavenly Father's unchangeable character is why we can have faith that He will do what He says. Yet, the Bible reveals that the second area, involving His different covenants (specifically ... the Old Testament Mosaic covenant and the New Covenant initiated by the cross of Christ) do not follow the same unchangeable rules. Many who thoughtlessly use the statement, 'God never changes' fail to separate and correctly define, according to the rules of context, each of these different Scriptural topics.
As a result, they merge both of these
subjects into one universal
declaration designed to convince
their audience that God never changes
anything ... meaning that the way
He related with those living under
the government of the Old Testament
generally remains the same in the
New Testament, under the New Covenant
of Christ.
subjects into one universal
declaration designed to convince
their audience that God never changes
anything ... meaning that the way
He related with those living under
the government of the Old Testament
generally remains the same in the
New Testament, under the New Covenant
of Christ.
Yet, the Bible reveals that making the
vague universal statement that 'God
never changes' - without properly
defining your terms - becomes a very
misleading 'half truth' ... that lays
the foundation for the most dangerous
(and popular) heresy found within
Christendom.
vague universal statement that 'God
never changes' - without properly
defining your terms - becomes a very
misleading 'half truth' ... that lays
the foundation for the most dangerous
(and popular) heresy found within
Christendom.
These kinds of confusing theological strategies are often used to defend the belief; that 'the New Testament is just a continuation of the Old' - meaning that God continues the same program of the Law in the New Testament that He started in the Old Testament ... because 'He never changes'. Yet, this is a classic example of how 'half truths' and a failure to define certain terms often cause inexperienced Christians to go dangerously astray in their faith.
The Scriptures that describe how Jesus (and God) ‘do not change’ are found in the 'Top Ten' list of the Bible's most abused passages. They are commonly used by those who defend their beliefs by "spiritualizing" rather than using a "literal interpretation" of God's Word. Spiritualizing Scripture has evolved into a popular, yet dangerous debate tactic because it is difficult to refute. It gives an opponent the ability to 'twist God's Word' (by using Scripture out-of-context) in a way that can support almost any religious teaching. For this reason, it is usually not wise to engage in discussions or debates with those who practice these dishonest methods of Bible interpretation. What starts out as a friendly discussion will eventually deteriorate into a sharp and confusing disagreement over someone's "opinion". An opinion can be anything. As believers in Christ, we should always embrace Biblical truth that is literally proven and verified (in context) by Scripture ... and not "spiritualized personal opinions" about God.
When God makes certain statements in
Scripture such as ...
"Behold, I will do a new thing"
(Isaiah 43:19)
"Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will make a new covenant..."
(Jeremiah 31:31-32)
...And then refers to this 'new covenant'
as "The new and living way of Christ"
(Hebrews 10:19-23)
It becomes obvious to any serious student
of the Bible that God is making radical
changes in the way he relates to the human
race after the cross.
By using the phrase 'New and living way of Christ' - God is telling us that the sacrifice of His Son established a 'new way' - meaning that He is no longer operating according to the old law-based program that He now labels 'obsolete' (Hebrews 8:13). It's a warning to those who use the universal statement; "God never changes' to justify a teaching that is spiritually dangerous and misleading. Using this statement to defend a Judaized brand of Christianity (an illegal mixture of Judaism and Christianity) represents a denial of the finished work of Christ that radically changed how God deals with sin and how salvation is received after the cross.
The Bible is a Divided Book
The Hebrew Roots movement is not the only place the Judaized gospel is found. Variants of this gospel are also taught within Reformed theology, Calvinism, Holiness theology (especially Pentecostal Holiness), Catholicism, Seventh-day Adventism, Episcopalianism, Church of Christ - and certain brands of Christian fundamentalism (this list is not exhaustive). As a result, it is found in most of the Christian Church - but thankfully this does not include everyone.
The Judaized gospel is also taught in many expressions of the Messianic Jewish movement - which is not to be confused with the Hebrew roots movement.
Note: The objective of the Hebrew Roots movement is educating the Christian Church - while the objective of the Messianic movement is educating Jewish people about Jesus Christ - their true Messiah. The target audiences might be different - but the doctrine is similar.
The Bible reveals that Jesus Christ operates in two different roles - the Messiah of Israel and the Lord of the Christian Church. The illegal practice of mixing or intermingling these two roles allow both the Messianic Jewish and Hebrew Roots movements to appear as just 'a different flavor of Christianity'. This is why Christians who are looking for a more 'penetrating brand of Bible teaching' tend to view these Messianic congregations as an acceptable alternative. Yet, both of these groups are committed to a brand of 'Messianic Judaism' taken from the pages of the Bible.
Here's the problem:
Messianic Judaism and Christianity are
not the same - even though both honor
and worship Jesus Christ.
Messianic Judaism preaches a conditional
salvation based on obedience to the Old
Testament Law of the Torah ... while
authentic Christianity preaches an
unconditional salvation that God offers
as a 'free gift' - only available through
faith in Christ - without the need for
works and human merit.
The Bible calls it 'Grace'.
Both groups preach an evangelistic message about Christ's sacrifical death for our sins. At the conclusion of their services both groups may give an invitation to 'receive Christ or the Messiah' using His correct Hebrew name; Yeshua HaMashiach. Yet, an important practice often goes unnoticed. They mix the message of the cross with the principles of Old Testament Judaism found in the Torah ... rather than keeping these programs 'rightly divided' as the Apostle Paul commanded (2 Timothy 2:15). Handling the Scriptures in such a way leads their audience to believe that God deals with sin today (after the cross) ... the same way He dealt with sin under the Law of the Torah (before the cross). This logically brings them to the disastrous conclusion that Christ's sacrificial death did not make any significant changes to how God deals with human sin. It's a religiously cloaked way of denying the finished work of Christ ... by saying that 'God doesn't change ... which also means that the way He deals with sin didn't change either'. Christians, who are inexperienced in spiritual matters, find it difficult to discern this error hidden in popular brands of Bible teaching.
We should always remember that the
Bible is not 'one program with one
message', but a divided book where ...
"... The Law was given through
Moses, but Grace and truth
came through Jesus Christ."
(John 1:14-17)
Vague terminology produces many misconceptions and hides dangerous teachings. One notable example can be seen in the word 'Biblical'. A majority of Christians believe that if something is 'Biblical' - then it also must be obeyed. Yet, all serious students of the Bible understand that this common belief (actually it's more of an assumption) is not true. Old Testament Judaism, which demanded animal sacrifices to atone for sin is a prime example. Jesus Christ, also known as "the Lamb of God' was the final sacrifice for human sin under Judaism (the law of the Torah). Christ's 'one act at the cross' permanently ended the sacrifice of animals to atone for sin. Also - as far as God is concerned - no additional sacrifices for sin are required. The crucifixion of Jesus Christ eternally settled the sin issue. According to John the Baptist, Christ's sacrifice took away all the sin of the world. As a result, the Old Testament program of Judaism - based on the Law - came to an end (was fulfilled by Christ) because it is no longer needed ... which is why God now considers it to be 'obsolete' as revealed in Hebrews 8:6-13. Yet, technically speaking, this obsolete program continues to be 'Biblical' because it's recorded for our instruction - in the pages of God's Word.
Under Christ's New Covenant program, God refuses to honor these kinds of Old Testament sacrifices for sin. It means that God no longer operates according to this authentic 'Biblical program' - even though it's recorded in the Bible.
This is why we find many things in Scripture that are labeled 'Biblical' - but are not binding upon Christians.
In Romans 6:14, Paul states; "For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace". Paul was correct in making this statement because Christ's crucifixion fulfilled the Law (which is Biblical) - and then abolished its authority over the Christian, which placed them under God's unmerited favor called 'Grace'. Circumcision is another example. This is a 'Biblical' practice of Judaism - connected to Old Testament Law - that the Christian is not required to practice or observe to be righteous. Observing the Feasts of Israel is yet another example. The Israelites were required to observe these 'Biblical' feasts as part of their faith under Judaism. Yet, after the cross, this is not a requirement that Christians must obey to have eternal life or to be righteous before God. They can, however, voluntarily observe these feasts (such as Passover, First-fruits and Pentecost) - as many do. But, God never makes this observance mandatory for the Christian Church.
Once again, this is why the Apostle Paul commanded that the Bible must be 'rightly divided'. Judaism (based on the law of the Torah) - and Christianity (based on Christ's New Covenant) are incompatible with each other and must never be mixed together (or intermingled) ... because doing so creates a dangerous heresy. Yet, this is the way a majority within Christendom chooses to handle the Scriptures.
To move away from what they believe to be 'a watered down gospel' some Christians are leaving traditional churches and joining various Messianic Hebrew congregations. They claim to be searching for a strong Bible-based message and 'penetrating preaching'. However, what they are actually looking for - happens to be a characteristic of the Old Testament Law of Moses (or Judaism) ... and not the 'new and living way of Christ' (Hebrews 10:19-23).
On a close examination of this 'penetrating
or uncompromised Bible teaching' ... we find
that it often represents an Old Testament
brand of condemnation for sin that God
brought to an end through the sacrifice of
His Son.
or uncompromised Bible teaching' ... we find
that it often represents an Old Testament
brand of condemnation for sin that God
brought to an end through the sacrifice of
His Son.
Sadly, this kind of condemnation against sinners is what many church members want to hear in a sermon. Some of these same individuals and church leaders attack Saint Paul's message of 'salvation by Grace through faith'; labeling it 'Hyper-Grace' or a host of other demeaning names and labels such as; 'Greasy Grace or the Sugar-coated Gospel'. Paul revealed that the cross of Christ takes away sin's power to condemn us. Yet, this liberating truth of the Gospel is what many are calling 'Greasy, sugar-coated and watered down'. Using the Bible to expose this error often generates anger (and sometimes rage) because it contradicts their law-based Judeo-Christian dogma.
As a result, there is a large and prominent group that exists within the Christian Church that seeks to remain under Old Testament Law. Their doctrine is contrary to Christ's redemptive program as revealed through the New Covenant and the Pauline Revelation. You can easily find these ministers on radio, television and especially the Internet. One such individual recently appeared on CNBC touting his toxic religious beliefs before an unbelieving world. The liberal media loves these kinds of interviews because they discredit the Christian faith. The group's religious fervor is so intense that some respond in anger if you dare use the Bible to question or confront their beliefs. On his daily radio program, one preacher accused those who embrace the Gospel of Grace (as revealed through the Epistles of Saint Paul), as being part of the 'Grace cult' - claiming that it was 'of the devil'. Yet, nearly half of the New Testament canon consists of Paul's writings.
We should remember that our Lord Jesus Christ,
Paul and Peter all sternly warned that the most
serious threat to authentic Christian faith
comes from inside the Church and includes those
those who hold spiritual offices of authority.
Jesus said it this way ...
“Do not think that I came to bring peace on
earth. I did not come to bring peace but a
sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against
his father, a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her
mother-in-law’;
And a man's enemies will be those of
his own household.’"
(Matthew 10: 34-36)
(Jesus is speaking to the Church at Ephesus)
“I know your works, your labor, your patience,
and that you cannot bear those who are evil.
And you have tested those who say they are
apostles and are not,
And found them to be liars ..."
(Revelation 2:2)
earth. I did not come to bring peace but a
sword. For I have come to ‘set a man against
his father, a daughter against her mother,
and a daughter-in-law against her
mother-in-law’;
And a man's enemies will be those of
his own household.’"
(Matthew 10: 34-36)
(Jesus is speaking to the Church at Ephesus)
“I know your works, your labor, your patience,
and that you cannot bear those who are evil.
And you have tested those who say they are
apostles and are not,
And found them to be liars ..."
(Revelation 2:2)
Paul warned the Church about the very
same danger - but used more offensive
wording;
"But what I do, I will also continue to do, that
I may cut off the opportunity from those who
desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we
are in the things of which they boast. For such
are false apostles, deceitful workers,
transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms
himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is
not great thing if his ministers also transform
themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose
end will be according to their works."
(2 Corinthians 11:12-15)
I may cut off the opportunity from those who
desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we
are in the things of which they boast. For such
are false apostles, deceitful workers,
transforming themselves into apostles of Christ.
And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms
himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is
not great thing if his ministers also transform
themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose
end will be according to their works."
(2 Corinthians 11:12-15)
Peter was even more descriptive than Paul
and offered the same warning by saying ...
"But there were false prophets also among the
people, even as there shall be false teachers
among you, who privily shall bring in damnable
heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them,
and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways;
by reason of whom the way of truth shall be
evil spoken of."
(2 Peter 2:1-2)
people, even as there shall be false teachers
among you, who privily shall bring in damnable
heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them,
and bring upon themselves swift destruction.
And many shall follow their pernicious ways;
by reason of whom the way of truth shall be
evil spoken of."
(2 Peter 2:1-2)
These four powerful testamonies
warn about a dangerous counterfeit
that nearly all Christians are
taught to ignore in the name of
unity.
Maybe God is trying to tell us that
this brand of unity doesn't come
from Him.
Most Christians want to believe good things about any self-proclaimed minister of God. Yet, there is a reason the Bible spends considerable time exposing this dangerous internal threat to our faith that is taught by many (but thankfully not all) of these same ministers.
At this point someone might ask the question; "Why do they teach such things?"
Answer: They embrace a first century theology (or variant) often referred to in the modern church as "Historic or Biblical Christianity". Its adherents passionately believe that it represents 'God's original theology of the Bible' - mainly because it's old and historic. Yet, various Bible scholars refer to it as 'Galatian religion or the Galatian error' - because it mixes Judaism and Christianity (or the Law of Moses and the Grace of Christ) into one 'unified' theology that redefines salvation. Since it effectively changes the principles governing New Testament salvation, some theologians correctly label it; 'the Galatian heresy'. We can now see that this topic carries unthinkable eternal consequences. This is why - in Acts chapter 15 - the entire apostolic leadership of the first century Church, led by the Apostle James, met in Jerusalem to examine this doctrine. The council not only condemned it, but wrote an official letter to the churches - warning that the teachings did not come from them and should not be received. Saint Paul dedicated an entire epistle to exposing this same doctrine. Galatian religion is a counterfeit that seeks to replace authentic Grace-based Christianity. It's a false system of faith that tries to restore (after God took it out of the way through the sacrifice of His Son) something that many church members want to hear: Old Testament condemnation for sin.
(Note: In this situation 'condemnation' is a law-based judgment against sin that operated before Christ's crucifixion. It punished [sentenced to hell] those who failed to keep God's commandments and laws. However, when the shed blood of the Lamb of God took away all sin at the cross - this previous law-based program of condemnation was abolished and replaced with 'Christ's new and living way'. Yet, as strange as it seems, many within Christendom reject God's heavenly proclamation – and tirelessly work to undermine its life-giving principles.)
After the cross, the Apostle Paul refers to the old program as; "the law of sin and death" (Romans 8:1-4). This Law is fulfilled by Christ, nailed to the cross, taken out of the way - and then replaced (not continued) with the New Covenant that operates according to the vastly different principles of unmerited and undeserved Grace. The words of Saint Paul (repeated throughout this study due to their importance) reveal the details of this amazing truth...
"There is therefore now no condemnation
to those who are in Christ Jesus, who
do not walk according to the flesh, but
according to the Spirit. For the law of
the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has
made me free from the law of sin and
death.
For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us (or imputed to us) who do not walk according to the flesh (or trying to acheive salvation through works or religious merit) but according to the Spirit (or our faith in the finished work of Christ that does not require our works)." (Romans 8:1-4 – Emphasis and Comments Added)
"...Being justified freely by His Grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:24-26)
"And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, having wiped out the handwriting of the requirements that was against us (the Law), which was contrary to us. And He (Jesus Christ) has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross." (Colossians 2:13-14)
"For sin shall not have dominion over you:
for ye are not under the law, but under
grace." (Romans 6:14)
to those who are in Christ Jesus, who
do not walk according to the flesh, but
according to the Spirit. For the law of
the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has
made me free from the law of sin and
death.
for ye are not under the law, but under
grace." (Romans 6:14)
rather lengthy but necessary Bible study to
an end. We hope you found this material
beneficial in your walk with the Lord
Jesus Christ.
This is Part 7 of a seven-part Bible study.
Click on the links below for the next part
or return to the homepage.
Pt. 1 --- Pt. 2 --- Pt. 3
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