IS JESUS CHRIST THE ONLY WAY TO HEAVEN??

Does it really make a difference what a person believes?Will all religions take us to the same place in the end?

By Bill White

What could be any more important than knowing where you are going to spend eternity? Perhaps the thought of what will happen to your soul after you die has crossed your mind over the years but somehow you manage to squash the thought whenever that happens. Today I would like you to consider that thought and follow it through as I address the question of whether Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. Of course this article will be answering that question in the affirmative and I will be using the Bible, which I believe to be the Word of God, to defend my position.

 

Bible Study Synopsis

Jesus Declared That He Was The Only Way – to the Father (John 14:6) – his Father is in heaven ( Matthew 7:21, 10:32-33) so He was telling us that He was the only way to heaven. Jesus also said that some who called Him Lord were not truly His children (Matthew 7:21) but only those who do the will of the Father. Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was, and Peter acknowledged Jesus to be the Christ (Messiah) (Matthew 16:13-17). Either Jesus Christ is the Messiah or He is not! That means that every person on the planet, whether Jewish or Gentile, has a choice to make concerning the Messiah.

The Disciples Found The Messiah – Andrew declared unto Simon Peter that “we have found the Messias (Messiah) (John 1:40-42) which is another confirmation that Jesus is indeed the Messiah.

Jesus Revealed Himself As The Messiah – To a Gentile Woman – who was a Samaritan. (John 4:21-26). This woman believed in Jesus Christ, along with many others from her village, which shows us that Gentiles were getting saved before Christ died on the cross. Jesus also told this woman that God must be worshiped in “spirit and in truth” showing her that spiritual worship (from the heart) is not and cannot be limited to a physical place, including Jerusalem.

Jesus The Messiah Is Also The Savior – Having proven the case that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah) it can be easily shown that Jesus is the Saviour also, and therefore the only way to heaven for anyone.

Jesus Declared That He Was The Only Way

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

This is a very well known verse of scripture and this is the verse where Jesus makes the claim that He is the only way to the Father. I would like to go to some other scriptures in the Bible where Jesus mentions the Father, and heaven, in the same breath so that you can see the point that I am trying to make. I am doing this because Jesus did not mention heaven in John 14:6 and I know that there will be some that will try to twist the scriptures to say something that they do not say. I want to emphasize the point that Jesus Christ is absolutely the only way to heaven and that there is NOT an alternate route to get there.

Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21)Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 10:32-33)

In the verses above we can see that the Father is in heaven. Given the fact that Jesus said that He was the only way to the Father, then it can also be said that Jesus is also the only way to heaven where His Father resides. 

The Disciples Find The Messiah

One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone. (John 1:40-42)

Here is a very clear verse in the scriptures which show us that Jesus Christ was recognized early on to be the Messiah. Please do not believe those who tell you that there is a different plan for the Jewish people and the Gentile people. There is only ONE Messiah and ONE Saviour according to the scriptures, and His name is Jesus Christ.

I would like to look at some other scriptures from the Word of God just to prove the point that Jesus Christ is the Messiah and that He came at a certain prophesied moment in time. The one thing we must remember is that Christ became the sacrifice for sin, so I am moving through the scriptures with that in mind. 

When Jesus came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 16:13-17)

 WHO DO YOU SAY THAT “I AM”?

Here we are getting to the very root of the question as to whether or not Jesus is the only way to heaven. Here Jesus was asking His very own disciples (followers) what the rest of the people were saying about Him. They responded by telling Jesus that some of the people thought that He was John the Baptist, (resurrected) while others thought that Jesus was the prophet Elijah, or Jeremiah, or one of the other prophets of the past. 

At this time Jesus put the very same question to them “But whom say ye that I AM?” And Peter responded by telling Jesus that He was the Christ, the Son of the living God. By the way that word Christ means Messiah, so Peter was in fact telling Jesus that He was the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Now Jesus makes a very important statement here in telling Peter (Simon Barjona) that he was a blessed man because that spiritual revelation did not come from flesh and blood (meaning another human being) but from His (Jesus) Father in heaven.

Keep in mind that the disciples were hearing the Word of God directly from the mouth of the Lord, which later became part of the book that we now know as the Bible. The Word of God, which is the truth, came directly into the heart of Peter. His “spiritual light” was turned on to the truth that Jesus was in fact the Messiah

Jesus Reveals Himself As The Messiah

Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias (Messiah) cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee AM HE. (John 4:21-26)

In this passage of scripture the Lord comes into contact with a Samaritan woman by divine appointment. This woman was surprised by the fact that Jesus was even conversing with her because the Jews and the Samaritans did not get along with each other. The woman got a glimpse into the prophetic realm when Jesus revealed her sinful past and the fact that she had five husbands, and that she was currently living with a man that was not her husband. (John 4:16-18)

The conversation then turned to spiritual things. The Lord made it clear to the woman that God must be worshiped “in spirit and in truth” stressing the importance of worship from the heart. It had nothing to do with a geographical location. After a while the Lord revealed to this woman that He was the Messiah. (John 4:26)

Do not miss the fact that the Lord specifically mentioned Jerusalem here when He was speaking on the topic of true worship. Jerusalem in Israel is a city much like many other big cities around the world. In that city there are some who worship the Lord Jesus Christ, but for the most part, He is still rejected, as He was when He walked in Jerusalem back then.

Jesus told us that God must be worshiped in Spirit and truth.

Jesus told the woman that a geographical place, including the earthly city of Jerusalem, did not matter because true worship in Spirit and truth precluded that.

Jesus was able to see into the sinful lifestyle of the woman.

Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to this same Gentile woman.

When the Lord’s disciples showed up, they were just as perplexed as she was, that Jesus was speaking with a Samaritan woman. The woman then decided to go back and testify to the people from her village.

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (John 4:39-42)

Lessons Learned

The Samaritan woman got saved.

The Lord is able to save anybody in the whole wide world, Jewish or Gentile.

The Lord knew the Samaritan woman’s past but still offered her mercy.

The Samaritan woman became an instant evangelist for Jesus.

Other Samaritans testified that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah).

Other Samaritans testified that Jesus was the Saviour of the world.

Jesus the Messiah was saving Gentiles even before the cross

Jesus The Messiah Is Also The Saviour

We have learned through the most recent passage of scripture that many of the Samaritans came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ calling Him the “Saviour of the world”. Given the fact that the Lord revealed Himself to the “woman at the well” as the Messiah, we can naturally conclude that Jesus is both Messiah and Saviour. We can also conclude that Jesus is offering salvation to both Jew and Gentile.

I would like to look at just a few scriptures in the Bible that contain the word Saviour to further prove that Jesus is the only Saviour.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:11)

This verse tells us clearly that the Saviour is Jesus Christ and it mentions the city of David, which is Bethlehem, where Christ (Messiah) was born. That was the very place where Micah the prophet said that He would be born. (Micah 5:2)

Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, We ought to obey God rather than men. The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with his right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. (Acts 5:29-32)

In the passage above we see that Peter confronted the Jewish religious leaders, including the High Priest, and told them that obedience to God was more important than obedience to men. He told them the “God of our fathers” (meaning the God of Israel) was the one who raised up Jesus (from the dead)! Jesus, the one that they killed! Peter then went on to say that Jesus was exalted to be a prince and a Saviour offering forgiveness to Israel. Peter then includes the Holy Ghost in his list of witnesses.

The main thing that I want you to get is that the people of Israel were given the same opportunity that the Gentiles were given to accept this person of Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. Paul himself said that the gospel was for the Jew first:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)

In this next passage of scripture Titus mentions “God our Saviour” and “The Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour” within the span of two verses. This not only proves Jesus to be the Saviour but it also proves Jesus is God.

But hath in due times manifested his word through preaching, which is committed unto me according to the commandment of God our Saviour; To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour. (Titus 1:3-4)

In the next two verses of scripture we learn that there is no other God beside the one who is the just God and Saviour: 

I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.  (Isaiah 43:11)

Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the LORD? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. (Isaiah 45:21)

In the New Testament book of Acts the same theme is followed, telling us that Jesus Christ is the only name by which a person can be saved:

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

Considering the fact that all people on planet earth have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) and that there are none righteous (Romans 3:10-11) there can be no other way for anyone to be saved apart from the Saviour whom God has provided for us. The blood is the only thing that will atone for the soul (Leviticus 17:11) and the blood that Jesus shed on the cross is the blood that was shed for all mankind.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:8-9)

We have proven through the scriptures that there is only ONE Messiah who also is the ONE Saviour. Jesus Christ is still the “way, the truth and the life” and there is NOT a single person who will enter heaven unless they come through Him.

The Ethiopian Eunuch Gets Saved

And they, when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, returned to Jerusalem, and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. And the angel of the Lord spake unto Philip, saying, Arise, and go toward the south unto the way that goeth down from Jerusalem unto Gaza, which is desert. And he arose and went: and, behold, a man of Ethiopia, an eunuch of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship, Was returning, and sitting in his chariot read Esaias the prophet. Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man? Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing. (Acts 8:25-39)

The angel of the Lord sent Philip to witness to this man.

The angel saw the man studying the book of Isaiah (53:7-8).

The Ethoipian man inquired as to whom Isaiah was speaking about.

Philip immediately preached Jesus unto this man.

The man was baptized and made a public profession           

This is the choice for you today, salvation in Christ or damnation without Him.

That is what Jesus taught.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. (John 3:16-18)

Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen. And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned. (Mark 16:14-16) 

Review

Jesus declared that He was the only way to the Father. (John 14:6)

The Father is in heaven. (Matthew 7:21,10:32-33)

The disciples found the Messiah. (John 1:41-42)

Peter recognized Jesus to be the Christ, the Messiah. (Matthew 16:13-17)

Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to a Gentile woman. (John 4:21-26)

The Samaritans recognized Christ to be the Saviour. (John 4:39-42)

Titus told us that God was the Saviour. (Titus 1:3)

Titus told us that Jesus Christ was the Saviour. (Titus 1:4)

Isaiah declared that there is only one Saviour. (Isaiah 43:11, 45:21)

There is none other name to be saved by but that of Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:10-12)

The BLOOD of Jesus Christ was shed for YOU. (Romans 5:8-9)

Believers in Jesus Christ are not condemned. (John 3:16-18)

Those who do not believe in Christ are condemned already. (John 3:16-18)

Salvation in Christ or damnation outside of Christ. (Mark 16:14-16)

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE = AUDIO OF THIS MESSAGE

JESUS CHRIST CREATED ALL THINGS!

JESUS CHRIST CREATED ALL THINGS

Did Jesus really create ALL things? Yes He did, and the scriptures make that very clear.

HOW DOES A PERSON BECOME A SAINT?

A May 11, 2007 New York Times article entitled “Pope Canonizes Brazil’s First Native-Born Saint” by Larry Rohter and Ian Fisher, Sao Paulo, Brazil, said this:

“After canonizing Brazil’s first native-born saint and receiving a bracing dose of Brazilian-style religious fervor at an outdoor mass here today, Pope Benedict XVI called for more forceful evangelization efforts throughout Latin America to counter growing conversions to Pentecostal Protestant groups.”

I did not realize until I was born again of the Spirit that the biblical way of becoming a saint is diametrically opposed to the Roman Catholic way of becoming a saint.

In the Roman Catholic Church it is the Pope who ultimately has the authority to “canonize” a person and make them a saint.  It is is based upon what they have done in their life and other strict qualifications of the Church.

In the bible we learn that the term “saint” is applied to living believers in Jesus Christ.  In his letter to the Corinthians Paul wrote the following:

Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:1-3)

We can see how Paul relegated the title “saint” to “… all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord …”

Paul wrote this to the church at Ephesus:

Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: Grace be to you, and peace, from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (Ephesians 1:1-3)

Once again Paul is referring to living believers in Jesus Christ.  Paul writes “… to the saints which are at Ephesus, and to the faithful in Christ Jesus…”  Paul was simply referring to people who had placed their faith in Jesus Christ and continued to follow Him.

We must not forget that Paul was once a severe persecutor of Christians ” …breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord…” (Acts 9:1) until the Lord Jesus Christ spoke to him out of heaven. (Acts 9:1-6)

This Jewish apostle of Jesus Christ, by his own admission, consented unto the death of Stephen who was a faithful man of God. (Acts 8:1, 22:20)  We can therefore justly say that Paul was an accomplice to his murder.  So now we have a former murderer preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ, and writing letters to other believers whom he refers to as “saints.”

The point that I am making is that every person in this world has the opportunity to become a true “saint” of God, by repenting and believing the Gospel. (Mark 1:15)  That is true biblical faith.

The true story about Paul should be an encouragement to all of us that our God is truly a God of  love and mercy. 

A person cannot truly come to Christ and become a “saint” until they see that their sin separates them from a holy and righteous God.

 The Bible makes it clear that there are “none righteous” (Romans 3:10) and every single one of us falls short of the glory of God. (Romans 3:23)  That is the very reason why we need a Saviour and that is the very reason why Jesus Christ came to this earth.  That is the very reason why Jesus Christ went to the cross and shed His perfect sinless blood for people like us.  (Romans 5:8-9) 

The Jewish apostle Paul wrote this many years after he came to Jesus Christ:

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might shew forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting. (1 Timothy 1:15-16) 

Are you a saint yet?

IN GOD’S COURTROOM

What would the verdict be for you if you were to be judged by Almighty God, the only true and perfect judge? Innocent or Guilty? If you were to die tonight, where would YOU go? Heaven or Hell?

 IN GOD’S COURTROOM

What would the verdict be for YOU if YOU were to be judged by Almighty God, the only true and perfect judge? Innocent or Guilty? If YOU were to die tonight, where would YOU go? Heaven or Hell?

ISRAEL AND THEIR REJECTION OF JESUS THE MESSIAH!

When Jesus the Christ [Messiah] came to this earth He was not received by His own people, and yet the offer is still there for all people , both Jewish and Gentile to be reconciled back to God.

He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (John 1:11-13)

 ISRAEL AND THEIR REJECTION OF JESUS THE MESSIAH

THE STRONG DELUSION OF “CHRISTIAN” ZIONISM!

I turned on the television the other night and realized that there was a convention being televised for Christians United For Israel (CUFI).  The CUFI is an organization which was founded by Pastor and author John Hagee which encourages Christians to stand with the modern state of Israel. The person speaking was a Jewish man by the name of David Brog (Executive Director of CUFI).  I listened as he sang the praises of former US President Harry Truman, because President Truman recognized Israel as a state.  President Truman was the president that authorized the use of atomic bombs over in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.  Mr Brog then sang similar praises about John Hagee, who received a standing ovation as he was introduced.

I listened as Mr Brog spoke in a room filled with people claiming to be Christians.  He told them that their Christian theology demands that they stand with Israel.  I knew where he was coming from and I am fully aware of what is being taught in many evangelical churches today.  I used to believe certain dispensational teachings, such as the land belonging to Israel, because that’s what was being taught in most churches.  However my further study of the scriptures revealed otherwise.  I never believed for a moment that a person Jewish or Gentile could be saved apart from faith in Jesus Christ.  I had no idea that many of the Bible teachers taught that the Jewish people were still God’s chosen people and that they are still in covenant with him, even though they do not believe that Jesus is the Christ (Messiah). 

 In recent years , I have been hearing  Bible teachers talk about the church of Jesus Christ as being a mere parenthesis in God’s plan and that the Jewish people are under a different covenant.  I came across an article by the Christian Research Institute regarding Pastor John Hagee, which was Statement DH005. Here are a few excerpts from that statement:

“Trying to convert Jews is a waste of time he (Hagee) said.

Everyone else whether Buddhist or Baha’i needs to believe in Jesus, he says. But not Jews, Jews already have a covenant with God that has never been replaced with Christianity he says.

The Jewish people have a relationship with God through the law of God as given through Moses, Hagee said. I believe that every Gentile person can only come to God through the cross of Christ. I believe that every Jewish person who lives in light of the Torah, which is the word of God, has a relationship with God and will come to redemption.

The Law of Moses is sufficient enough to bring a person into the knowledge of God until God gives him a greater revelation. And God has not said Hagee.”

[Statement DH005 , Christian Research Institute, Charlotte, NC]

SALVATION FOR THE JEW ACCORDING TO JESUS CHRIST

It is absolutely amazing to me that John Hagee could make such statements as those above considering the overwhelming proof in God’s Word that contradict what he said.  The greatest revelation that God has given to the Jewish people and the rest of the world is found in Jesus Christ. In other words Jesus Christ is God’s last word to mankind, and that most certainly includes the Jewish people. Listen to what Jesus Christ said to the Jewish people of his time:

Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life. (John 5:39-40)

To totally understand the impact of the words above, we must not forget that the one who is speaking is Jesus Christ.  Many do not realize that the word CHRIST actually means MESSIAH. So it is Jesus the Messiah who is doing the talking.  Jesus is the one who was sent from the Father above to preach the Kingdom of God, and ultimately become the BLOOD ATONEMENT for the sin of mankind.

Jesus the Messiah encouraged the Jewish people to search the scriptures (their very own Torah) because they thought they had eternal life. Jesus then made it clear to them that their own Torah testified about him, but they still would not come to him, that they might have life.  Please do not miss this folks, because Jesus was telling the Jewish people that the very life and salvation which they desired, could only be found in him.  Jesus went on to say this to them:

Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father: there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? (John 5:45-47)

Jesus was pushing home the same point once again, that the scriptures (the Torah, the books of Moses) had enough in them to show that he (Jesus) was the prophesied Messiah. That is why Jesus told them, that if they believed Moses then they would have naturally believed him.  In the New Testament book of Acts there is a portion of scripture that will help us understand this better:

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto me; him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever he shall say unto you. And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people. Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days. Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. Unto you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. (Acts 3:22-26)

The words above were spoken by the apostle Peter to the people of Israel after the miraculous healing of a lame man at the temple gate. Peter told the people of Israel that the man was healed by the power of Jesus Christ. Peter then told them that this same Jesus was “the Prophet” whom Moses spoke and wrote about in (Deuteronomy 18:15-18), and that those who would not “hear that Prophet” (Jesus the Christ) would be destroyed!  Peter then went on to say that all of the prophets (in the Old Covenant scriptures) foretold of the days which were taking place right then and there. Peter then went all the way back to Abraham to show the people that all the people of the earth (that includes absolutely everybody) would be blessed through Abraham’s seed (offspring)  and that seed (offspring)  is Jesus Christ.

Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of ONE, And to thy SEED, which is CHRIST. (Galatians 3:16)

In plain and simple language, the Jewish apostle Paul  told the people that Jesus Christ was, and is, the promised seed (offspring) by whom ALL of the nations of the world would be blessed. Paul told them the very same thing that Peter told the people of Israel after that awesome miracle.  The whole of the Old Covenant scriptures pointed to the time when Jesus the Christ (Messiah) arrived on the scene.  The message that Peter gave regarding that “Prophet” is right in line with the salvation or damnation message that Jesus gave after he rose from the dead. (Mark 16:15-20)  The words of Jesus Christ below, become absolutely meaningless if a Jewish person could be saved without faith in Jesus Christ, by living in light of the Torah.

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6)

Jesus declared that NO MAN would be able to come to the Father unless thay came through him, because the Father is the one who sent him.  That means that there will not be any person Jewish or Gentile (the rest of the world) who would be able to go to the Father (in heaven) unless they come though the Son whom he sent. Peter spoke along those very same lines when he spoke to the people of Israel:

Be it known unto you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom ye crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by him doth this man stand here before you whole. This is the stone which was set at nought of you builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:10-12)

Could the scriptures be any clearer than this? The people of Israel are being addressed here by the apostle Peter and he told them that there was no other name by which they might be saved outside the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth! Read it again. Peter was speaking to the children of Israel there and the message that he gave them back then has not changed one drop since that time!

The passage below was written by the Jewish apostle Paul:

But God forbid that I should glory, save (except) in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. For neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. (Galatians 6:14-16)

Paul made it clear in that passage of scripture that he gloried only in the cross of Jesus Christ, and then he linked those who would walk according to that same rule to the “Israel of God.”  Paul also wrote the following:

Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: (Romans 9:6)

Paul was obviously putting a difference between the people of ethnic Israel and those of the “Israel of God” who recognized Jesus as the Messiah!

David Brog stated, at the CUFI convention the other night, that Christian theology demands that Christians stand with Israel. I would like to tell Mr. Brog that my theology demands that I stand for the truth, and that I preach the gospel to both Jew and Gentile.  Any Gospel preacher who is worth their salt would tell him the same thing.  Jesus declared the truth plainly and with boldness and to water down the message of the gospel is a fatal mistake: 

And he (Jesus) said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. (John 8:23-24)

The Lord Jesus Christ told the Jewish people of his day that he came from above (heaven), and that the consequences of not believing that he was the one who was sent from the Father (the Messiah), would be to die in their sins.  The plain and simple truth is that every person who sat at that convention, whether Jew or Gentile, who rejects Jesus Christ as their Savior, will die in their sins and end up in hell. To preach anything other than that is to preach a bogus gospel. If ever there was a people who are responsible before the Lord it is the Jewish people. To declare that God has not given them the necessary revelation is nothing less than mind boggling. The Jewish apostle Paul consented to the murder of Christians before he was saved (Acts 8:3, 22:4, 26:9-11).  He then made a complete about face and preached that Jesus was the Christ (Messiah).  He wrote the following words: 

 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)

Paul, the Jewish apostle of Jesus Christ, tells us that the gospel was to go the Jew first. In fact Paul identified those who are the children of Abraham:

Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. (Galatians 3:7)

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:28-29)

That very same Jewish apostle Paul told us that there is absolutely no difference between the Jew and the Greek (Gentile).  No difference! The only ones who can be called the children of Abraham are those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ. John Hagee spoke about the Jewish people living in light of the Torah, but the Torah contains the Ten Commandments which stops and silences any person from justifying themself before a righteous God! (Romans 3:19-20)  In fact the Torah contains everything about the sacrificial system which is gone forever. The Bible declares that there is NO atonement for the soul without the blood.

THE NEW COVENANT REPLACED THE OLD COVENANT

Right before the Lord Jesus Christ died on the cross, he cried out “It Is Finished” (John 19:30) which means that everything had been fulfilled at that moment, and his death was the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. It was at that very moment that the veil in the Jewish Temple was torn in half, signifying that the Old Covenant sacrificial sytem was to be no more.

 And the veil of the temple was rent in twain (two) from the top to the bottom. And when the centurion, which stood over against him, saw that he so cried out, and gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God. (Mark 15:38-39)

Where is the Jewish Temple today? It is not to be found and there can be no atonement for the sins of the people without the shedding of blood.  The Temple sacrifices were not accepted in the sight of God after the ultimate, final and perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ. That was the very purpose of the veil in the Temple being torn on half when Christ died. The high priest went into the temple and entered through the veil once a year, on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur-The Day of Covering).  The high priest took the blood from the animal sacrifices and sprinkled it on the mercy seat for the atonement of sin. But all of that stopped in the sight of God when Jesus, the great high Priest, entered into the true holy place in heaven. 

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (Leviticus 17:11)

The Old Covenant has been completely done away with and if somebody tells you something else then they are preaching falsehood to you. All of the sacrifices pointed to Jesus Christ. The Passover pointed to Jesus Christ also and that is why John the Baptist referred to Jesus as the Lamb of God:

The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world. (John 1:29) 

Paul the Jewish apostle of Jesus Christ wrote the following words almost two thousand years ago:

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his BLOOD we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:8-9)

The blood that was shed by Jesus Christ is now the ONLY blood that can reconcile a sinner back to God. Friends, that is the absolute Bible truth.  That was the very purpose Jesus Christ came to this world. The gospel message is still for both the Jew and the Gentile, but there is no special revelation or reservation for the “ethnic” Jewish person when it comes to salvation. In fact if there were a special revelation or reservation for the Jewish person, then everything that Jesus Christ preached meant absolutely nothing.  If a fair minded person will read through the gospel accounts they will see that Christ was dealing with the issues of the heart, and he was constantly rebuking the Jewish Pharisees for their outward form of religion.  The Jewish apostle Paul wrote the following also:

For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God. (Romans 2:28-29)

It all has to do with the heart and nothing to do with a persons ethnic background. Jesus told Nicodemus, a Jewish ruler, that he needed to be born again or he would not see the Kingdom of God.  Jesus did not say maybe, or could be, or should be, but MUST BE! The Kingdom of God is open to all people on planet earth, and their sins can be forgiven through the BLOOD of Jesus Christ.

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:6-7) 

BEWARE OF THE LEAVEN OF THE PHARISEES

John Hagee mentioned the fact that Christians are the wild branches that have been grafted into the  good olive tree, and he was obviously referring to the verses from Romans Chapter 11.  I am in full agreement with the truth that the Jewish people represent the good olive tree, but please do not forget to mention that this is speaking about the Jewish people who followed the Lord and recognized the Messiah when he came. The Jewish people who did not recognize the Messiah were broken off  branches because they rejected the very one whom God the Father sent!

The Gentile people who have put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ have been grafted into the “good olive tree” and they are there along with the Jewish people who also believe in Jesus and recognize him as the Messiah.  For the past two thousand years Jewish people have received the very SAME Grace that the Gentiles have recieved and they have received eternal life in Jesus Christ. There is NO difference between the Jew and the Gentile.

Beware of the phrase “replacement theology” because it is a term used by Christian Zionists.  It paints a picture that portrays people who do not agree with their false theology appear anti-semitic. Do not be intimidated by that term, because the Lord Jesus Christ is the searcher of hearts and he knows what is going on inside your heart. 

BIBLICAL WARNINGS ABOUT AN ANTICHRIST SPIRIT

To declare that the Jewish people can still be in covenant with the Lord under the Old Covenant, living in light of the Torah,  is to agree with the Pharisees who rejected Jesus Christ two thousand years ago.  To declare that message is to oppose the very message of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Not only that but the apostle John warned us about those who have an “antichrist spirit” and he described them as follows:

Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. (1 John 2:22)

And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (1 John 4:3)

For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. (2 John 1:7)

 If you were to ask many of the Jewish people who were present at that convention meeting the other night, whether or not they believed that Jesus Christ was the promised Messiah, they would answer no without any problem at all.  The very reason that the Jewish apostles were persecuted and put to death by people like Paul (before he was saved) was because they preached Jesus Christ as the Messiah! So here we are almost two thousand years later, being told by a “Christian” minister that the Jewish people can be saved by living in light of the Torah. Once again I tell you that it makes the gospel message that Peter and Paul preached, and all the others preached, seem like a waste of time. After Paul was converted the Jewish people wanted to kill him, but the Lord preserved him. Many times Paul was beaten to a pulp, and even left for dead, but the Lord kept using him for his glory. In fact if Paul were a “bug on the wall” at that convention meeting he would have been aghast at what he heard.

IS WAR ON THE HORIZON?

Toward the end of this one hour television program, there was a man dressed in an Israeli miltary uniform who walked out from the audience, up to the front of the room, and then knelt down to pray. He was wearing a prayer shawl of some sort over his head. Then another man dressed in an American military uniform came from the audience and tapped the praying Israeli soldier on the shoulder, offered his hand to him , and they shook hands. Is there a message being sent here? What was this supposed to mean? Could this be a statement being made here? Is this some type of propaganda? Could there be another war on the horizon?

John Hagee is the Pastor of the Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas. He can be seen all over the airwaves throughout the world.  His preaching is often accompanied by very colorful video graphics which appear on a screen behind him.  He is known to preach against what he calls ”Isalmo Fascism” in no uncertain terms.  I thought that I was hearing things when I heard him talk in favor of a pre emptive attack on Iran. Wait a minute, did I hear correctly? Please tell me if I heard wrong.  Can we as Christians rightly call for an attack upon any nation, which would most certainly end up killing innocent civilians? What on earth is going on here?  What about the words of the master teacher and Saviour of the world Jesus:

  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; (Matthew 5:44)

Do you remember when the band of men came looking for Jesus at the place in the garden where he usually prayed? Do you remember what Peter did to Malchus? 

Then Simon Peter having a sword drew it, and smote the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. (John 18:10)

Sometime you can read a Bible verse and miss what really happened. Peter did not politely walk up to Malchus and start slicing his ear off.  It is quite obvious that Peter went to take the guys head off with a wild swing, and caught only his ear. But what did Jesus do after that?  Jesus actually healed the guys ear! (Luke 22:51) and then he made a prophetic statement:

Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.  Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be?  (Matthew 26:52-54)

What about the words of Jesus Christ as he was dying on the cross?

And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots. (Luke 23:33-34)

Sometimes we must take a few steps back and analyze what is going on, and ask ourselves the question, Is this the Spirit of Jesus Christ at work here?  Is it the Spirit of Jesus Christ that is calling for an attack against a nation or is it a “another spirit?”  Is it the spirit of Jesus that would call for an attack upon innocent Muslim people or is it “another spirit”? Where is the fear of the Lord in all of this?

Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence. (John 18:36) 

Only time will tell what is going to happen in the following days.  We need to keep our eyes on the Lord like never before.  One thing I do know is that the Lord is merciful and that he abhors the killing of innocent people, and we have seen more than enough of that in recent years. That is what has stirred me to write this article. As Christians we like to take our stand on pro life issues such as abortion ( I am also pro life), but then we don’t even blink an eye when hundreds of thousands of Iraqi Muslim people are killed.

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds. (2 Corinthians 10:4)

Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. (Hebrews 13:13-14)

 THE JERUSALEM WHICH IS ABOVE

The scriptures tell us that HERE (on this earth) we have NO continuing city, and that includes the earthly city of Jerusalem. We, as Christians, are looking to the Jerusalem which is above (Galatians 4:26), not to the city in the Middle East.

But Jerusalem which is above is FREE, which is the mother of us all. (Galatians 4:26)

The Lord Jesus Christ had a conversation with a Samaritan woman, who was amazed that Jesus was even talking with her, because the Jewish people and the Samaritan people did not get along with each other. Jesus talked to her about true worship:

 Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor yet at Jerusalem, worship the Father. Ye worship ye know not what: we know what we worship: for salvation is of the Jews. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias (Messiah) cometh, which is called Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things. Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee AM HE (John 4:21-26)

 The Lord made it ever so clear to this woman that physical location did not matter anymore, because God must be worshiped in spirit and truth. Jesus said the hour was coming AND NOW IS when true worshipers would worship God in spirit and truth, which means that the hour had already arrived. The Lord Jesus Christ then went on to inform this woman that he was in fact the Messiah. Now either Jesus was telling the truth or he is a liar.  If Jesus declared to this woman that he was in fact the Messiah, and that the hour had arrived when people could worship him from anywhere in the world, then I would not dare to tamper with the word of God.  That same Samaritan woman went back to her town and brought others back to hear Jesus for themselves and, as a result, many were saved.

And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him (Jesus) for the saying of the woman, which testified, He (Jesus) told me all that ever I did. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days. And many more believed because of his own word; And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. (John 4:39-42)

The same living waters (spiritual) that Jesus offered to this Samaritan woman has been offered to both Jew and Gentile alike, for nearly two thousand years.  There is no postponement, no other covenant, no other way, but the way which God has provided through his Son Jesus Christ.

But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him. (2 Corinthians 11:3-4)

CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE = AUDIO OF THIS MESSAGE

COMMENTS:

Here are some recent comments on this article.

“PJ Miller”  wrote the following:

“Beware of the phrase “replacement theology” because it is a term used by Christian Zionists. It paints a picture that portrays people who do not agree with their false theology appear anti-semitic. Do not be intimidated by that term, because the Lord Jesus Christ is the searcher of hearts and he knows what is going on inside your heart.”

Thank you… I wept as reading this post, but that statement spoke to me personally. I cannot tell you the tears I have shed in prayer over this entire Christian Zionist movement. At first it confused me…but the more I read about it and poured through the scriptures, the more ‘wrong’ it appeared to be.

To be honest, I just plain didn’t get it!

The Lord has had me working on a couple Christian boards/forums for some years now..and it seemed every time I tried to point out what I saw as error in this, either my comments were ignored or someone would come back replying about replacement theology.

I began to doubt myself…wondering if it was me who was wrong, even crying before the Lord asking him to search my heart in case I had even a tinge of antisemitism lurking within. I never ‘thought’ I did…but wanted to be sure.

Years ago I believe the Spirit of God showed me there were to be many ‘faces’ to the apostasy and last day delusion…many layers, like an onion.

That Satan would slip in teachings and error, which would not be as obvious, as the ones which stick out like a sore thumb today.

This is one of those layers…I’m convinced.

Forgive my rambling, but only God knows how much I needed to read your post.

thanks again…and God bless.

Editors Note: I emboldened certain sentences  from this comment,  because I believe that they are very important.  I do not consider what PJ Miller said to be rambling at all.  In fact there is no doubt in my mind that PJ Miller was speaking “in the Holy Ghost” when they penned this comment, and I am thankful that this person had the courage to speak up about this issue.  There is a suffocating silence within the walls of the organized church that many true Christian’s  are beginning to see.  The Lord is raising those same people up to be His bold witnesses in these last days.  Thanks to PJ Miller once again for your honesty and obedience to the Lord.  [Bill White, Soulrefuge blog]  

Here are some words of wisdom from ”oxysmoron”:

Cannot Beware if not Aware…

Thanking Jesus.

Lord bless this one who has spoken Truth and keep Your hedge about him. Amen

TESTIMONY: HOW I CAME TO KNOW THE REAL JESUS CHRIST [FORMER ROMAN CATHOLIC]

My name is Bill White and I was born in 1952, in Queens, New York. My family moved to Long Island and lived there for five years before moving back to Queens. While living on the Island I attended a public school. We were permitted to attend “religious instruction” classes once a week at the local Catholic School, and that’s where I was taught the Catholic Catechism.

I was taught that there were two types of sin, one was “mortal sin” (the more serious) and the other was “venial sin” (the less serious). I remember thinking to myself “how can anybody keep up with all of that stuff?” I was taught that it was a mortal sin to miss Mass on Sunday which I had already done, and I knew that I had committed more than my share of “venial sins”, so I started to become a little concerned about my soul. I was taught that there was a heaven, a hell, and another place called purgatory. Purgatory was described as a temporary place of punishment where the Catholic would stay until their love for God was perfect, and then they would proceed to heaven. Even at that young age their was enough conviction within my own heart to block out any thought of going to heaven, and even purgatory looked like a longshot to me. I went on to become an altar boy and being one of nine children I witnessed many “First Communion” and “Confirmation” ceremonies within my family. I must say that I always had a nagging question in the back of my mind, which was “where would I go after I die?”

During the 1970’s I had an insatiable desire to know the truth. I would travel to a shopping mall on Long Island, because there were two large bookstores in the mall. I would head straight to the philosophy and religious section where I would browse through the books, shelf by shelf, from bookcase to bookcase. After the first bookstore I would head to the other bookstore and repeat the same process over again. I wanted to know the truth and I eventually filled a large box with books on a variety of topics. I read books on Zen and I read books on meditation. I bought books on self improvement and how to improve the mind. You name it, I bought it and I read it.

One night in late 1980 I was drinking at a club and around midnight I decided to leave. I headed out to the south shore of Long Island to check out another club. I had been drinking for a couple of hours, and I was tired, but I can remember thinking that I wanted to get my “moneys worth” out of the weekend because it was back to work on Monday. I met my wife Cathy that night, and I remember when I left the club there was a ticket waiting on my windshield for parking on the street after 4AM. That was a typical weekend for me and many others of my age group during that time.

Cathy and I got married in July of 1981 and I still had the same desire and interest to seek out the truth. I read about a free seminar on mind control that spoke about improving ones mind power and memory. The seminar was being given a few miles from where we lived and I convinced Cathy to go with me. At the beginning of the seminar the teacher was talking about relaxation, emptying the mind, and visualization techniques. During this part of the class the teacher forgot what day it was and that just struck my funny bone. I could not stop laughing, to the point of tears, and this made Cathy laugh also. The teacher noticed us but simply smiled. The rest of the class had their eyes closed and they were in “visualization mode.” As I look back on that day I truly believe that it was the Lord who protected us from becoming involved in that sort of thing. I believe when a person starts “emptying their minds” that they can open themselves up to the occult, which in reality is the realm of the demonic.

During the mid 1980’s Cathy and I became aware of the Catholic Charismatic movement. The Mass was livelier and the songs were similar to those sung in Christian churches. We attended “healing masses” which focused on healing and praying the rosary. The rosary contains prayers which are mostly “Hail Mary’s”. At that time we became aware of what was known as the Marian apparitions at Medugorje. The “Virgin Mary” was allegedly appearing before some young men and women and bringing forth a monthly message. We were fascinated by stories of rosary beads changing colors, from silver to gold, when people went to Medugorje.

During this same period we began visiting a church in New York City where the gospel of Jesus Christ was being preached. We heard testimonies of how people’s lives were being changed by the power of Jesus Christ. This fascinated us also because we were so accustomed to the rituals and rote prayers we said every Sunday at the Catholic Mass. As time went on we would attend Mass in the morning and visit the other church in the evening, and the power of God’s Word was bringing us into the knowledge of the truth.

Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. (John 8:31-32)

Cathy told a Christian woman at that other church about the alleged appearances over in Yugoslavia. The woman quoted a verse of scripture to her:

And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. (2 Corinthians 11:14)

This troubled Cathy and she went before the Lord and asked Him to show her the truth no matter what. She prayed before the Lord with an open Bible and an open heart, and began to see many scriptures which contradicted the messages that were coming from the “apparition of Mary” in Yugoslavia. This was very upsetting to her because we were really into this apparition thing. We had purchased videos and invited others to come to our home to view them with us. We also handed out pamphlets which promoted the apparition. We were evangelists for Mary at that time. Cathy was convinced that this whole thing was not of God and she tried to convince me, but I was not willing to listen. This went on for several weeks until one day she came down the stairs with tears in her eyes and asked me to listen to her. Something inside my heart told me to listen, and I did, and I told her that I would pray about it.

I knew that I had a choice to make. It was either the word of God (the bible) or the messages of “Mary” from Medugorje. I chose to believe the word of God. I can remember the day when the Lord lifted the spiritual veil of deception which had covered my eyes. I was reading the gospel of John and it seemed that the words were jumping off the page at me. I knew at that moment that the Lord Jesus Christ was the Son of God who came down from heaven. I knew that the Lord Jesus Christ was persecuted and slain on the cross for my sins. This was “head knowledge” before but now it was revelation truth from heaven straight into my heart. The Lord Jesus Christ had become ever so real to me and I knew that He died for me. A change had taken place inside my heart, and I was born again in the true biblical way. Jesus said this:

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. (John 3:6-7)

Cathy and I researched the messages from Medugorje and it was as if the Holy Spirit had taken a fluorescent hi-liter pen and began to expose the contradictions and falsehoods within those messages. We did the same with the other apparitions of Mary and we found them to contain similar errors.

As new Christians we now believed what Peter said and that we were now part of the “priesthood of believers” (1 Peter 2:9) which encompasses people from every nation on planet earth. We now knew that we did not need the Roman Catholic Mass, which is called the “Perfect Sacrifice Continued” (item 360 Baltimore Catechism p171), and which declares as its purpose “to satisfy the justice of God for the sins committed against Him” (Item 361 Baltimore Catechism p173). We now believed what Jesus Christ proclaimed right before His life expired “It Is Finished” (John 19:30). We now believed what Peter told us in one of his letters:

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit: (1 Peter 3:18)

We now believed what the apostle Paul told us in his letter to the Romans. We saw the value of the blood of Jesus Christ like never before.

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:8-9)

We now knew that the Mass, which declares that Christ through the ministry of the priest is offering Himself to God in “an unbloody manner” (item 357 Baltimore Catechism p168), was not in agreement with the Word of God which tells us this:

For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul. (Leviticus 17:11)

We also knew from studying the scriptures that the real Mary was a sinner just like the rest of us:

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord, And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. (Luke 1:46-47)

Only sinners need a Saviour, and the Bible tells us that every single one of us has come short of the glory of God.

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.(Romans 3:23)

The last time that I find Mary mentioned in the scriptures is in the book of Acts:

And when they were come in, they went up into an upper room, where abode both Peter, and James, and John, and Andrew, Philip, and Thomas, Bartholomew, and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon Zelotes, and Judas the brother of James. These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brethren. (Acts 1:13-14)

Mary is listed here along with everyone else and she most certainly is not exalted above the others who are mentioned here. Mary was praying along with the rest of the other believers in Jesus Christ unto her God. None of the others are found praying to her as I did for many years and is still done today by multitudes.

One of the most striking things to me was the fact that the second commandment found in the Baltimore Catechism was not the same second commandment found in the bible. The real second commandment is found in Exodus 20 and reads as follows:

Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. (Exodus 20:4-6)

In the Roman Catholic Baltimore Catechism the second commandment is listed as “Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” (Baltimore Catechism item number 195, p 100)

How could there still be Ten commandments if the second commandment which dealt with graven images (statues) and which took up three verses in the scriptures is removed from the list?

The answer is found by taking a look at the ninth and tenth commandments in the Baltimore Catechism which are as follows:

9) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors wife.

10) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbors goods.

(Baltimore Catechism item number 195, p100)

But the bible relegates only one single verse to this subject which is found below.

Thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour’s wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour’s. (Exodus 20:17)

The Lord really opened up my eyes with this one because statues are found in Roman Catholic Churches all over the world. There are shrines to Mary all over the world. There are statues built to honor “saints” all over the world. I can remember visiting a Catholic shop in search of a statue of Mary because I wanted to have my own little shrine in the attic of my home. A person had a choice of a plain white statue or one which included the colors of blue and white. I was shocked at the prices for even the smaller statues, and I never bought one. It was not long after that visit to the Catholic shop, that I got saved and saw all of these things as nothing but idolatry according to God’s word.

As the Lord continued to open up my eyes about the deception of Roman Catholicism I would share this with others including pastors. I soon found out that this is an issue which most pastors refrain from speaking about. There was so much compromise I did not know where to begin. I have to remind myself that the bible warns us about such things in the following verse:

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; (1 Timothy 4:1)

If the Spirit of God, which is the Spirit of truth prophesied of such apostasy then it must certainly happen. Many pastors walk under the disguise of a “love” which is nothing but a counterfeit love which creates a false “unity” of believers in Jesus Christ. They lay aside the truth of God’s word and accept the doctrines of devils which Paul warned us about. On the surface they appear to be “anointed” but in reality they are crafty compromiser’s of  God’s word. Some are very aware of what is going on, but they remain silent because it is not popular to speak out against these things. True love warns people about false doctrine and calls it what it is in order to protect the sheep. True Godly and biblical love can be found in the ministry of the Jewish apostle Paul who never failed to warn the people whom he loved so dearly.

Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God. Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood. For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore watch, and remember, that by the space of three years I ceased not to warn every one night and day with tears. (Acts 20:26-31)

 You can also hear my testimony on AUDIO here.

HELL: ACCORDING TO JESUS CHRIST!

Jesus Christ was without question, the most loving, merciful and kind person to ever walk this earth, and yet he did not hold back the truth about this place called hell.  Jesus Christ declared the following:

 ” …I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. (John 14:6) 

With that thought in mind, I want you to think about something for a moment. Did Jesus Christ tell the truth about Hell?  Do you think that maybe he was trying to deceive us about this place of torment, or was He trying to warn us about an eternal place that is very real?  Of course I believe the latter and there is not a doubt in my mind that Hell is as real as the ground that you and I walk on.

 The words below are the words of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is also known as the First and the Last and the Alpha and Omega. (Revelation 1:11)  Every single person who is reading this blog will stand before him one day and give an account for their life.  If you declare yourself to be a believer in Jesus Christ then you must also believe his words.

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (Luke 16:19-31)

Lessons Learned From Jesus Christ

 

Hell is real

People are conscious in Hell

People can hear in Hell

People can talk in Hell

People can remember in Hell (they remember their lives on earth)

People cannot escape from Hell

People are tormented in Hell

People in Hell do not want their relatives to end up there

People need to believe the scriptures

People need to repent and get right with God

The word that is used for HELL in this passage of scripture is the Greek word HADES which can be defined as the place of departed souls.  Remember that Jesus Christ is the one that is telling the story here. It is very interesting that Jesus Christ, who was the most compassionate human being to ever walk this earth went into such extreme detail here in describing the torment that the “rich man” in HELL was experiencing.

Jesus actually told us that the “rich man” was begging for a drop of water on his tongue.  Can I accuse Jesus of being  too harsh for using such language?  Can I accuse Jesus of being too hard for telling us about the impossibility of the “rich man” escaping the torment that he was in?

People often accuse Christians of using scare tactics, or of preaching “fire and brimstone” messages to scare people, but I use Jesus Christ Himself as my example. In other words, I will speak the words that are recorded  in my Bible.  If Jesus Christ preached about HELL then I will also preach about HELL.

After Jesus rose from the dead He encouraged His disciples to preach the gospel to the whole world. Jesus told them that the believers would be saved and the unbelievers would be damned.  (Matthew 16:15-16)  What does it mean to be DAMNED according to Jesus Christ?  Listen to Him for yourself! 

Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Matthew 23:33)

Do not use vague terms such as telling people that  they are going to a “Christless Eternity” because that would be like heaven to them. They do not want Christ now, and they just might figure that they are alright without Him in eternity also.   Tell them the truth about HELL the same way that Jesus told them.  Take my word for it on this one.

God will honor you for doing that simply because God  always honors His Word,  even ABOVE His own name, and don’t you ever forget that.

I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name. (Psalms 138:2)

It is the obligation of EVERY true bible believing Christian to preach the gospel and to warn the sinners about the damnation of HELL. How can we stand by and not warn the souls who are perishing all around us?  In fact I pity the minister who stands in the pulpit Sunday after Sunday and never warns the people about HELL.  That is not the LOVE of God at all.  God is LOVE and  Jesus Christ is God, and Jesus Christ preached often about Hell, and we need to do the same.

At another time Jesus declared that when the Son of Man (Himself) comes in His Glory, He will separate the sheep from the goats. The sheep are placed on the right hand and the goats are placed on the left hand. (Matthew 25:31-33)  The “sheep” (God’s people) inherit the Kingdom prepared for them.  But Jesus declared that there would be a different fate for the “goats” who did not follow the Lord.

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: (Matthew 25:41)

JUDGMENT DAY

Ultimately the place called HADES will be cast into the “lake of fire” and that will be the place of   “everlasting fire”  and  “everlasting punishment.”   You can choose to reject the teachings of the Word of God if you so desire, but the words will always remain true. but the words of Jesus Christ will never pass away according to Jesus Himself. (Matthew 24:35)  You can call HELL a myth if you so desire, but I tell you in love, that you are in for the shock of your death.

 You will NOT be annihilated and exist no more.  There is no second chance either.  Jesus NEVER spoke about a place called Purgatory and it is not to be found in the Bible.  Jesus NEVER spoke about being reincarnated and it is not to be found in the Bible.

And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before GOD; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is THE BOOK OF LIFE: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and HELL (HADES) delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and HELL (HADES) were cast into the LAKE OF FIRE. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-15)

 I do not believe for a moment that the people who are presently in HELL (HADES) are having a BIBLE STUDY wondering whether they are in SHEOL, HADES, or the LAKE OF FIRE.  Not for a moment. They are in absolute torment according to Jesus Christ.

The very SAME Jesus Christ who spoke so clearly about HELL is the very SAME Jesus who laid down His life upon the cross for us.  Jesus Christ died as a substitute in our place. 

Many  people fall into the fatal trap of thinking that they are a “good person” and when they die they hope that their own “goodness” or their own “good deeds” will outweigh their “badness” or their own “bad deeds.”   They are hoping  that the eternal “scales of justice” will weigh in their favor, when the truth of the scriptures has already proclaimed them GUILTY! 

 Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. (Romans 3:19-20)

The Law of God absolutely silences every single man and woman on earth from justifying themselves before a holy and righteous God. If you want to look for an  “axis of evil”  you need not look any further than your own heart.

The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

 Do you understand that you are spiritually DEAD in the sight of Almighty God?  Do you understand that God is offering you SALVATION and ETERNAL LIFE in His Son Jesus Christ?

But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (Romans 5:8-9)

You do not have to end up in Hell like so many billions that have lived before you. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has been mocked for centuries and those that mock the gospel in modern times are no different than those that went before them.

Jesus Christ said “…repent and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15)

My friend, please remember that these words about Hell were spoken by Jesus Christ Himself, the very creator of all things. Do not gamble with your soul as the rich man did in this true story.

Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell? (Matthew 23:33)

For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek (Gentile): for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (Romans 10:12-13)

THE REALITY OF HELL AUDIO HERE