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Commandments in the New Testament Church: A through C

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The Commands of Christ Jesus, the power of an endless Life

Rohnel, and my beloved husband, Peter, servants of God and Christ, unto the twelve tribes scattered in the world beloved of God, called to be saints, to the little children and to the faithful: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Psa 72:18  Blessed be the LORD God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things. 

Psa 72:19 And blessed be his glorious name for ever: and let the whole earth be filled with his glory; Amen, and Amen. 

2Co 1:3  Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; 

2Co 1:4 Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. 

Adorning the Gospel of Christ  

Exo 20:6 And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments. [Christ did not do away with Moses but made it perfect].

Psa 119:16  I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word. 

Psa 119:17 GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. 

1Jn 2:3  And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 

1Jn 2:4  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 

1Jn 2:5 But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.

Rev 22:12  And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 

Rev 22:13  I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last. 

Rev 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.  

Commandments in the Church A-C

Herewith the Commandments of our Lord, Jesus Christ, as it is written in the New Testament given by His Apostles in alphabetical order [my own] A-C. Some Commands are overlapping in other letters; some are left out here, but after you, the Reader, reads all the letters regarding the Commands of Christ, Jesus, you will know what they are. This is the Bread of Life, which we eat daily, that makes us wise unto salvation. Also, some Commands carry a lot of Scriptures, and it is safe for us to read them all, binding them as a sign upon our hands so it may be as frontlets between our eyes. The commandments included in this posting are these.

  • Abide in what you have heard from the Beginning
  • Acts 15
  • Admonish One Another
  • Armour of God
  • Ask
  • Bear Another’s Burdens
  • Be a Sacrifice
  • Bear the Infirmities of the Weak
  • Be Content
  • Be Fruitful
  • Be Holy
  • Believe
  • Be Ready
  • Be Subject
  • Be Thankful
  • Beware of the Circumcision
  • Boldness
  • Brotherly Love
  • Continue in the Faith
  • Covetousness

ABIDE IN WHAT YOU HAVE HEARD FROM THE BEGINNING 

What did we hear from the Beginning? What did we hear when Christ had and is having mercy on us to open our blind eyes and deaf ears? We heard the Gospel, the Good News, ordained by messengers sent by God. The Gospel are the Commandments of God, the Father, given to us by Christ and His Apostles and messengers in every age. Do not stray from the Gospel. Do not stray from what you have heard from the Beginning. It is the end of our faith, the salvation of our souls. Those who deny the Gospel deny the Father and His Son; that is to say, they do not believe in the Power of Christ’s resurrection within us to save us from spiritual death. These mockers walk after their own carnal thoughts and have not the Spirit of Christ. The mystery is now made known, and it was hidden before, believe our report. We also heard from the Beginning that we should love our brothers by keeping Christ’s Commandments. Nothing else will do; we love our brothers when we keep His Commandments and teach others to follow after us.

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

1Jn 2:23  Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. 

1Jn 2:24 Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.

1Jn 3:11  For this is the message that ye heard from the beginning, that we should love one another. 

1Jn 3:14  We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren. He that loveth not his brother abideth in death. 

1Jn 3:15  Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him. 

1Jn 3:16  Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 

1Jn 3:17  But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? 

1Jn 3:18  My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. 

Jud 1:17  But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; 

Jud 1:18  How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. 

Jud 1:19 These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. 

ACTS 15 – Four necessary things

Here is a link to http://www.truthinscripture.com to the study, The Council of Jerusalem, which discusses these Commands at length and in depth. Here is a summary: Meat offered to idols is pursuing the lusts of riches without Christ’s Commandments, which pollute us. It is the sin of idolatry where we bow down to our own reasonings and do not hold fast to our Head. Abstaining from blood means abstaining from our carnal thoughts and reasonings, going up and down in our heavens, and instead resting in the Lord’s Commandments. It means to do no violence in our lands, which means once again to be at rest. Abstaining from strangled meat, which is suffocated meat, means there is no suffering involved; that is to say, unlike Christ’s Commandments, which cause suffering, this strangled meat is knowledge without suffering for it. It is another Gospel, another Jesus. Lastly, abstaining from fornication means not having relations with our natural father, the devil’s wife, which spiritually means not straying from the Gospel of Christ and building up a spiritual kingdom without Christ.

Act 15:20  But that we write unto them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things strangled, and from blood. 

Act 15:28  For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 

Act 15:29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. 

ADMONISH ONE ANOTHER

Admonishing one another is the true love of God. We exhort with longsuffering and patience and with all authority because we have the written Word and do not lean on our own understanding when we exhort each other. We admonish each other in the Church of God, saving each other, making each other perfect, and that is to say Christ in us, the Hope of Glory, does all the work; boasting is excluded. Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but deceitful are the kisses of the enemy. Rebuke a wise man and he will love you because he gets wiser still.

Rom 15:14  And I myself also am persuaded of you, my brethren, that ye also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. 

1Th 5:12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; 

ARMOUR OF GOD

In the Day of the Lord, we stand, we do not fight, we guard the way to the Tree of Life as the covering cherubs. There is no violence in our land because we have put off the evil works of darkness. We are no longer under the schoolmaster; Faith IS come. Therefore, our loins are girded with Truth, which is the glorious Gospel of our Saviour. Our breastplate is the righteousness of Christ’s Commands that if we do them, we are being saved by them.  Our feet are shod with the Gospel of peace, which is to always be ready to preach the Gospel within and without. Our shield of Faith is again the Commandments of Christ, which put to silence all the lies, fables, the endless genealogies, and commandments of men. Our sword and helmet of salvation is the Word of God; it is all Scripture, the old and the new. We remember that the days are evil, therefore we walk in the Light in our Day of the Lord. The Day when we are being perfected is the third day of our spiritual walk symbolically.

Rom 13:12 The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light. 

2Co 6:7 By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 

Eph 6:13  Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 

Eph 6:14  Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 

Eph 6:15  And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 

Eph 6:16  Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 

Eph 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 

ASK

Is our Father in heaven and Christ, His Son, not our Father? They created us and gave us our inheritance before we even were. Shall we then not ask the Father through Christ to give us wisdom in all and ask for the Holy Spirit to come, believing we shall receive? Are we not the Lord’s people, and will the Father give us a stone if we ask for bread? Ask and you will have the Gentiles for an inheritance, that is to say, overcoming of sin. Ask of the Lord the former and latter rain and prepare to receive Him. Repent of your sins and stop doing them, believe in His Blood, that is to say, receive John’s Baptism, the Gospel. Wait for the Promise, I say wait with meekness and humbleness, praying, believing you will receive. Christ asked the Father to give us the Comforter. Those who received the Holy Spirit now ask the Father through Christ to give it to the true and faithful brethren, who make themselves ready for His Coming.

Eph 3:20  Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, 

Eph 3:21  Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. 

Jas 1:5  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. 

Jas 1:6  But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 

1Jn 3:22  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 

BEAR ANOTHER’S BURDENS

We are commanded to bear each other’s burdens. Why? Because Christ bears our burdens and as He is, so are we. The Lord bears and carries and delivers us, and we do the same to those He puts in front of us. We are being made perfect, and in the Assembly of God, we are in different stages of maturity in our walk, and that is why we bear with those not so far along, to come and see the true Christ, to teach the true Gospel of Christ to them. We are also commanded to bear our own burden that is to say, study at home, so they who teach us, those who were taught by God, may see our progress. We do not burden the Church unnecessarily, but also study at home so we may all come to a perfect man in Christ. Bear the yoke in your youth, that is to say, do not just warm yourself by the fire, eating the Lord’s Supper, but go home and be in the Lord’s Word. Simon, a Cyrenian, was compelled to bear the Lord’s cross; in type, in shadow, it means we, as the Lord’s people, bear the cross of the chosen elect in this age, our fellow brethren.

Gal 6:1  Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 

Gal 6:2  Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 

Gal 6:3  For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. 

Gal 6:4  But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 

Gal 6:5  For every man shall bear his own burden. 

Gal 6:6 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 

1Th 4:11  And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you; 

1Th 4:12 That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing. 

BE A SACRIFICE

Doing all the Commandments of God, we are still unprofitable servants, only doing our duty to God. How can we ever thank God, the Father, and the Lord for all They are doing for us? Thus, keeping the Commandments with a joyful heart and offering up sacrifices of praise, thanksgiving, and prayer is the right thing to do. What is man that the Father and Son even acknowledge us? We are not our own anymore but were redeemed from among men to be a royal priesthood, a peculiar people, unto God and Christ. It is only just that we serve and worship God, the Father, and Son, Christ Jesus. Kings rule and priests serve; we are in God’s service, bought with a price.

Rom 12:1  I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 

Eph 5:2  And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 

Heb 13:15  By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. 

BEAR THE INFIRMITIES OF THE WEAK

Are you strong in the Spirit? Are you reborn? Can you see clearly now? Bear the infirmities of the weak; that is what we are called to do as the Lord’s holy arm. We do not live for ourselves anymore, and he that is faithful in little, is faithful in much. Give what you can to those asking of you. Bear with those who are weak, give them comfort and hope, waiting on the Promise. Take their infirmities and bear their sicknesses as Christ did and do for us. Cast out the lies, and when we ourselves are weak, then we are strong. We know what those who are weak are going through because we have been before them. Let those who still wait on the Lord in meekness and quietness do the things the Lord requires of them.

Act 20:35  I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive. 

Rom 15:1  We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 

Rom 15:2  Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. 

Rom 15:3  For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me. 

Rom 15:4  For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. 

1Co 9:22  To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. 

1Co 9:23  And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. 

2Co 13:9  For we are glad, when we are weak, and ye are strong: and this also we wish, even your perfection. 

1Th 5:14  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.

BE CONTENT

The opposite of contentment is greediness. Greedy for the wrong meat, the knowledge that does not save. This meat, speaking in a parable, takes away our lives, and we become dead in Spirit. It is the knowledge that oppresses because it is without Christ. The glorious Gospel of Christ, which saves us, is not attractive to the natural man.  When we are not content with the knowledge of Christ, His Faith, we stray to bow down to the idols of our own hearts. We seek out other avenues. The Command to be content teaches us to forsake ungodliness and live soberly, being in Christ’s Presence every day. What does it help to gain the world, that is to say, gain all the knowledge, but lose one’s soul? Only Christ saves our souls. As the Psalmist writes, please save my darling from the lions. The love of money, which means the love for the knowledge without Christ, is the root of all evil. It is the pride of life, and we are created that way, but Christ has overcome the pride of life because greater is He that is in us than that which is of the world.

Php 4:9 Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. 

1Ti 6:6  But godliness with contentment is great gain. 

1Ti 6:7  For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 

1Ti 6:8  And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 

1Ti 6:10  For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 

1Ti 6:17  Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; 

1Ti 6:18  That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; 

1Ti 6:19  Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. 

BE FRUITFUL

We are the Lord’s workmanship who work all things after the counsel of His will. The Lord redeems us from the snare of the carnal mind and its lusts, which is the law of sin in our members, to set us up high above all peoples. As the Lord increases in us and we decrease, our faith grows, and we go from glory to glory. We forget what is behind and stretch forth to the things set before us, living in the Day of the Lord. We strive to add virtue to our Faith, that is to say, we strive to maintain good works and to add the knowledge of Christ, knowing His Commandments. Temperance is not to stray from the Gospel and to become occupied with knowledge that is not of Christ, and to that add patience in our longsuffering, and to that true godliness which is from the heart, the inside of the cup, and to that brotherly kindness and love which is keeping the Commandments of Christ. Doing all this, we make our calling and election sure. Paul desired to see fruit in the Church, which is love.

Gal 5:22  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 

Gal 5:23  Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 

Php 4:17  Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 

2Pe 1:4  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 

2Pe 1:5  And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; 

2Pe 1:6  And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; 

2Pe 1:7  And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. 

2Pe 1:8  For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

2Pe 1:10  Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 

BE HOLY

On this Day of our walk, the Lord’s Day, when judgment falls upon His House, we are commanded to be holy because the Lord is holy. To be holy is to be made perfect according to the measure of faith we have been given by the Lord. The Lord was perfected on the third day, and we are being perfected now on our third day. We make straight paths for our feet because all things become new. We do not continue in sin, nor do we go about our business the usual way. We are set apart from the world, a peculiar people, unto the Lord. The Lord’s Temple is holy, which we are, and we are a kingdom of holy priests. The holy anointing oil the Lord anointed us with are His Holy Commandments. Everything about this Day is holy; therefore, we are commanded to be holy, that is to say, be set apart, be perfect. It is all the Lord’s work and nothing of ourselves. If you are not in this Day yet, wait for it, this beautiful Promise of Life to come is a gift of God after you have done His will. Repent, and ask the Lord to come and make His abode in your hearts and minds. The Lord comes to His chosen and faithful in this age and in every generation. You have been chosen to wait for the Lord.

Heb 12:14  Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord: 

Heb 12:15  Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; 

Heb 12:16 Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. 

1Pe 1:13  Wherefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; 

1Pe 1:14  As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:

1Pe 1:15  But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 

1Pe 1:16  Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 

1Pe 1:17 And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear: 

BELIEVE

We are told that those who believe in Christ are being saved. Only the Holy Spirit reveals the Faith of Christ to a person. The Lord is working a work today that we would not have believed in times past. Be not afraid, only believe. Those who do not have the Word of the Lord abiding in them believe not; they are not of Christ’s sheep. The Lord chooses His people before the foundation of the world. The Faith of Christ is a gift. Lord, please help our unbelief. Do not be afraid, believe.

Rom 10:9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 

Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. 

1Jn 5:13  These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. 

BE READY 

Be ready and know what this Hope is when you are asked. It is the Hope of Glory, which is Christ and the Father in you. Wait patiently for the gift from above. Study to show yourself approved and obey the Commandments, then this Hope will come to you, the overcoming of sin. Hope makes us not ashamed. Rejoice in this Hope. The hope of the righteous shall be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. It is good for a man to hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. I say, quietly wait for the Lord.

Rom 12:12 Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; 

1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: 

BE SUBJECT

Christ is very clear that we have to submit ourselves to every ordinance of man, whether good or bad. Very few people receive this Command. Therefore, we pay taxes and toll money, parking fines, and levies as an example in all areas of life where it is required of us according to the laws of the land. We give to Caesar that which is his, notwithstanding the fact whether the authorities placed over us are good or evil. We strive to do the right thing, that is, to morally excel for the Lord’s sake. If the Government misbehaves and is corrupt and evil, we still obey the laws of the land because we are Christ’s bondservants and belong to Him, doing everything to please our Lord and Saviour, thus doing it unto Him and not unto men. It goes without saying that we obey the authorities and those who rule over us in what we know is reasonable and right [what is right for each man if he is a true Christian, is that our conscience towards Christ does not condemn us]. Here are the witnesses to this Command, which our natural man hates, especially when the Government is corrupt. Remember, we do not speak evil about anything or anybody. Every man or institution stands or falls to his own master. We know the Lord works everything. We do not lean on our own understanding but trust completely in the Lord.

Rom 13:1  Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. 

Rom 13:2  Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. 

Rom 13:3  For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: 

Rom 13:4  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil. 

Rom 13:5  Wherefore ye must needs be subject, not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. 

Rom 13:6  For for this cause pay ye tribute also: for they are God’s ministers, attending continually upon this very thing. 

Rom 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 

Tit 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, 

1Pe 2:13  Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 

1Pe 2:14 Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. 

1Pe 2:17 Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

BE THANKFUL 

The true Church of God, the Church of the Firstborn, heavenly Jerusalem, is exceedingly thankful and content for the early mercy of God in our lives, which opens eyes and ears. Remember, the Lord speaks of things that are not as if they are, so if you are still waiting for Him to open your eyes and ears, do your best to be found faithful, repent of your sins, and ask for the Comforter, and He will do it. We are abundantly blessed with food, and the Spirit of Glory rests upon us as His people. The Lord continually leads us in the way we should go, and therefore, we are thankful beyond measure. The Father and Christ have turned our mourning into joy. If this is not you yet, wait for it; it will come. Then praise His Holy Name and be thankful because His mercy endures forever. Christ never leaves or forsakes us.

Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 

1Th 5:18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 

BEWARE OF THE CIRCUMCISION

We have a true circumcision, and we have a false circumcision. We do not talk of a fleshly circumcision here. Spiritually, a true circumcision is those who are circumcised in heart who walk by the Spirit of Christ. The Commands here warn us against the false circumcision, the evil workers, the liars in the Assembly, the hypocrites, who upset members because they look to their own way. They believe in the commandments of men, that is to say, their own thoughts, accusing and excusing them, and not holding to the Head, which is Christ. They have a form of godliness without the Power of the Holy Spirit. They are taught in the Word and come a long way, yet they lack. Scriptures refer to these as the ones that cannot bark, loving to sleep and to slumber. Take heed to these lying spirits and avoid or rebuke them.

Php 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. 

Tit 1:10  For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: 

Tit 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. 

Rev 22:14  Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 

Rev 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. 

BOLDNESS

We have Christ Jesus, our Great High Priest, who has gone before us, who was tempted like we are, yet He never sinned because He had the fullness of the Holy Spirit. He knows what we are going through because He came in the same sinful flesh. Knowing this, we have great boldness asking Him to give us mercy that is to open our eyes and ears to see Him and to ask for His grace, the Comforter, so we may obtain the power to obey Him, and that is to worship the Father. We do not waver in remembering who the One is that made the Promise to us. We exhort and love one another when we assemble, as we see the Day of the Lord come near to those waiting for Christ. Christ is the faithful Witness.

Heb 4:16  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. 

Heb 10:22  Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 

Heb 10:23  Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 

Heb 10:24  And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 

Heb 10:25  Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching. 

Heb 10:35  Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompence of reward. 

1Jn 5:14  And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: 

1Jn 5:15  And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him.

BROTHERLY LOVE

There are many Scriptures about brotherly love because it is just so important. Brotherly love is not a feeling but rather fervently keeping the Commandments of the Lord and teaching others the Gospel, which are the Commandments. We see that we have to abound in this love, keeping the Commandments more and more, and this love extends to all people. We love one another with a pure heart, that is to say, we preach the Gospel to our brethren and no other doctrine. If we do not preach the Gospel to our brethren and do not walk the talk, we hate our brethren and have fellowship with the evil works of darkness. We love our brothers with a godly love, saving them, pulling them out of the fire. Therefore, we labour night and day to lay up for them and us a good foundation built upon the Rock, which is Christ, which makes us able to stand in this Day of the Lord.

Rom 12:10  Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; 

Eph 5:1  Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; 

Eph 5:2 And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. 

Col 3:14  And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 

1Th 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 

1Th 4:1  Furthermore then we beseech you, brethren, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, so ye would abound more and more. 

1Th 4:2 For ye know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 

1Th 4:9  But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another. 

1Th 4:10 And indeed ye do it toward all the brethren which are in all Macedonia: but we beseech you, brethren, that ye increase more and more; 

Heb 13:1 Let brotherly love continue. 

1Pe 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently: 

1Pe 4:8 And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 

1Jn 3:21  Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. 

1Jn 3:22  And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight. 

1Jn 3:23  And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment. 

1Jn 4:7  Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God. 

1Jn 4:11  Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. 

1Jn 4:12  No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. 

1Jn 4:18  There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 

1Jn 4:19  We love him, because he first loved us.

1Jn 4:20  If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? 

1Jn 4:21  And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also. 

1Jn 5:2  By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. 

1Jn 5:3  For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. 

2Jn 1:5  And now I beseech thee, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment unto thee, but that which we had from the beginning, that we love one another. 

2Jn 1:6  And this is love, that we walk after his commandments. This is the commandment, That, as ye have heard from the beginning, ye should walk in it. 

Jud 1:21  Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. 

Jud 1:22  And of some have compassion, making a difference: 

Jud 1:23  And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

CONTINUE IN THE FAITH

Continue in the Faith is to continue in the Gospel; it is to continue in the belief that the blood of Christ saves us from all of our sins. We can only go forward, Lord willing, and that is what we do. All the bridges are burnt behind us. We have tasted the heavenly gift, this is the Faith of Christ and not the faith in Christ. We tasted that the Lord is gracious and see that the Lord is merciful. The Lord promised that after we suffered a while, He would ground and settle us. Never again will we lack food, clothes, or a resting place because the Lord settles us in our own land [Promised] and leads us to streams of Living Waters. He gives us the overcoming of our sins, which makes us righteous in His sight, that is the fine linen we wear.

Col 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister; 

1Jn 2:24  Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. 

1Jn 2:25 And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life.

COVETOUSNESS

The Psalmist writes incline my heart to Your Testimonies and not to covetousness. The Lord hates covetousness, which is knowledge, spiritual riches gained, but forgetting the Lord and His Commandments. Making our nests up high, saying, No evil come near us, is what we do at first. In the Day of the Lord, the Lord destroys all that so-called knowledge with the brightness of His coming. The resurrected Christ in us counts everything as dung except for Christ’s glorious Commandments. Covetousness is idolatry, which is the lies and fables we tell ourselves, thinking above what is written, to accomplish our own salvation, not giving honour to Christ or the Father. The Lord brings down the fruit of our thoughts in this Day, which is now upon our house because we rejected His Commandments in the past. Repent and turn.

2Pe 2:1  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. 

2Pe 2:2  And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. 

2Pe 2:3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. 

1Jn 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 

1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.

The Commandments of Christ Jesus in the Four Gospels, the Commandments of Christ Jesus regarding our Assembling together as His Church, the Commandments of Christ Jesus regarding Marriage, Divorce, Husbands, Wives and Other, plus the five letters containing the Commandments of Christ Jesus, given by the Apostles in the Church, can be found on the Truthinscripture.com website. Many ask what the Commandments are, and we pray that after reading all of the above, the Reader will have a better understanding of what the will of God, the Father, through His Son, Christ Jesus, is, and that is to love, and when we love, we keep Christ’s Commandments.

Receive ye the Gospel. Receive ye the Holy Spirit.

Be Ye Perfect as Your Father in Heaven is Perfect

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Sin Shall Not Have Dominion Over You

With Grace, peace, and love to the brethren.  May these words be received with thanksgiving and encourage all to press onward to the high calling.

The Lord requires us to correct and clarify a key doctrine not adequately addressed in a recent gathering.  It is essential to quickly cut off any inroads of our adversary into our heavens, not to defile the faith and defraud our brothers and sisters in Christ.  We hope all receive the correction in meekness, as the Scriptures witness, so we can continue to grow together.

When Jesus Christ comes to us the second time, it is for salvation apart from sin.  Christ’s coming for salvation is a tremendous promise that few are given the faith to believe.  When He comes, the end of sin is in view.

Heb 9:28  So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. 

The power of God to overcome and cease from sin in this age is the Promise we have been covering of late in our studies.  It is not some theory; it is the very Promise of God who cannot lie.  One of the biggest lies in the orthodox churches of men that carries over into our time in Spiritual Babylon is the lie that we cannot cease from sin.  This giant plank ensures one remains blind, with this lie being on par with the lies of eternal hell, free will, and the trinity.  Such a belief is a complete denial of the faith when we say one cannot overcome sin through the power of the Living Christ.  Such a doctrine is not of faith and denies the power of God.  It is another Jesus and is not the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is a denial of Jesus Christ, the Scriptures and the power of God.

Mat 22:29  Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. 

We do not exit Spiritual Babylon until this doctrine of devils is removed from our eyes.  Then, if the Lord wills, we can receive the true Gospel.  Until we are awakened from this lie, we are not overcoming our sins, as we lack the requisite faith in God and His power unto salvation.  May some awaken out of their sleep and receive the light of the truth.

Eph 5:14  Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 

Before truth comes in Spirit,  we have been told many lies, including that there is no ceasing from sin in these clay vessels.  Please do not downplay the power of God or any of His promises in any way.  This belief that one cannot stop sinning because we still abide in sinful flesh denies the Lord.  It is unbelief in the promises of God and even the Words of Jesus Christ.  We can be perfect and will get there if we endure in the faith.

Mat 5:48  Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect. 

If we gather in the heavenly Jerusalem, the church, we are gathered with spirits of just men made perfect, being with Christ who now lives in the hearts and minds of His Elect.

Heb 12:22  But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 

Heb 12:23  To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 

Heb 12:24  And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. 

The Lord does not command us to do anything, like being perfect, that He does not equip us to accomplish.  When the Promise comes, the power of God comes, and then we can be perfect as our Father, who sits in our heaven, is perfect.  Few believe they can be perfect, as they must be given the faith to believe it and get past all the lies, and then wait for the Promise.   Believe the Lord and not any man.  He has meat to give us, but we do not know of it until it is given.  It is the power to overcome sin.

Luk 24:49  And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high. 

When we have been born again of the water [John] and the Spirit [Christ], we sin not and we keep ourselves in obedience by the indwelling power of God.  The tempter no longer wreaks havoc in our heaven.

1Jn 5:18  We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not. 

Once the Promise comes, we have been given everything we need to produce godliness and be holy in all our behavior.  Nothing lacks.

2Pe 1:3  According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

We have the power of the Living Word of God sitting in our heaven and have cast out the devil who is the father of the carnal mind not subject to the law of God [See Rev 12:7-10].  We have new understanding of the Scriptures for correction, instruction in righteousness and preach the Gospel so everyone may be made perfect in Christ Jesus.

Col 1:28  Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: 

Sadducees believe there is No Resurrection:

A spiritual Sadducee believes there is no resurrection from death [sin] in this life.  They do not believe the Lord or that His power utterly saves us from sin while we abide in vessels of flesh.  They are convinced one remains in their sins, contrary to the Scriptures and the words of God, for their entire physical lives.  As a result, the Sadducee says there is no overcoming of sin in this life, meaning one cannot be made perfect.  As your faith is, so be it unto you, says the Lord.  As a result, Sadducees do not overcome, remain dead in their sins, and are not saved until the next age despite their profession of faith.  Sadducees do not understand the Scriptures nor the power of God, denying the resurrection, the Lord’s angels, and the power of the Holy Spirit to deliver us from sin.

Act 23:8  For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection, neither angel, nor spirit: but the Pharisees confess both. 

Christ warns us to beware of the leaven of the Sadducees and the Pharisees, which is the lies they speak and obey.  These are fellow Jews, our brethren of Israel, and we reason with them to persuade them of the truth.  They have a known zeal for God but without knowledge.  Only the Lord can give the increase according to His will.  [See Romans 10:1-4]

Those who preach and live by the Gospel are commanded to judge the law of faith and correct lies that creep in and can devour the flock.  The lie that one cannot overcome sin has no place in the household of God.   If we do not act to burn up the lie, the blood of the saints taken astray would be on our hands.  We are bringing judgment on this critical matter of doctrine.

Mat 19:28  And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 

All of us are Sadducees for a season until the Lord has mercy, opens our eyes, and brings the Promise in the appointed time.  Lord willing, some brethren can be awakened from their slumber.  For the hope of the resurrection, the faith that we do overcome sin, the ministers of the Gospel are persecuted by those who still walk in the flesh, not having the Promise. Flesh does not want to hear the truth; it would rather stay in its sin, warm itself by the fire, and say they have already been delivered.

Act 23:6  But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees, and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, Men and brethren, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee: of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question. 

Overcoming sin requires suffering.

Overcoming sin requires much suffering.  To follow Christ, we must deny ourselves, pick up a cross, and follow Him.  It is not going to be comfortable; it is going to be painful for a while.  The way is not easy, but if we believe and wait for the Promise, we receive the Comforter living inside of us that brings the power to succeed.  Don’t deny the faith.  If we suffer with Him, we are reigning with Him, right now, as the time is at hand, if we have the Spirit.  We follow the example of the Lord, and this is how we cease from sin.

1Pe 4:1  Forasmuch then as Christ hath suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind: for he that hath suffered in the flesh hath ceased from sin;[Now, not out there]

1Pe 4:2  That he no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.

Our lives are no longer ours; we have been redeemed for a price.  We belong to God, and our life is sacrificed to the Lord.

Gal 2:20  I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. 

When the Promise comes, we are justified by the measure of Christ’s faith we are given, but we still have to walk it out and suffer.  Jesus Christ is not a minister for sin, and we cannot continue to live in sin, being sons of God.  Any lie to the contrary needs to be burned out of our hearts.

Gal 2:17  But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is therefore Christ the minister of sin?  God forbid. 

Without the shedding of blood, our suffering in the flesh, there is no remission of sin.  We shed blood by laying down our lives to follow the Lord, striving against all impulses of sin.  The Lord helps us with the Spirit, our Comforter, who is the Promise and brings the needed power and chastening.

Heb 12:4  Ye have not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin.

Heb 12:5  And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him:

Heb 12:6  For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.

We need Christ’s faith and power to resist to the shedding of blood and overcome sin.  Flesh is too weak.  That is why we exhort all to believe, tarry, and pray for the Lord to come with His salvation by the Promise.  Ask, and you shall receive it in due time.  Ask the Lord for the Promise.

Mat 7:7  Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: 

One has to live through the seven plagues to enter the Temple and finish the race.  Those who finish the race, enduring to the end, are saved from their sins now.  Their judgment is completed, and they overcome sin now, not in the age to come.  Today is the day of salvation when Christ comes.  John had a vision of those who had overcome, the angels of the Lord, whom the Sadducees also deny.

Rev 15:2  And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. 

We get the fullness of the Spirit when we depart these clay vessels, never dying, yet we overcome now in our day of the Lord with the earnest deposit of the Spirit.

All the Apostles agree that we overcome sin now in these bodies if we have the Spirit of God, the power on high, in us.  Here is Paul.

Rom 6:5  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: 

Rom 6:6  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin. 

Rom 6:7  For he that is dead is freed from sin. 

If we have received the baptism of Christ, we are indeed dead to this world as Christ lives in us and we SHALL be in the likeness of His resurrection.  It is not a maybe.  Having Christ living in us, the body of sin is destroyed, and we no longer serve sin.  Without the Promise or its hope, we remain dead in our sins, no matter what faith we express.  If Christ lives in us, sitting on His throne, we are dead to sin, and Christ is revealed in all our behavior, and all things are made new.

Rev 21:5  And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new.  And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. 

We mortify [kill] the lusts of the devil that live in our sinful flesh [the earth] by the power of the Spirit, the Living Commandments of faith we have been given.  If Christ is risen in us, we overcome sin; there is no other outcome.

Col 3:1  If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 

Col 3:2  Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 

Col 3:3  For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. 

Col 3:4  When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. 

Col 3:5  Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: 

We are to be dead to sin and alive to Christ.  Christ only dies once for salvation.  He does not continually die for our sins after He comes to us; He comes once for salvation.  If Christ comes and dies for us and is raised in our heavens, we are caused to live for God and no longer ourselves.  That is the work of grace, living in us, in the throne that chastens us to sin not.

Rom 6:10  For in that he died, he died unto sin once: but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. 

Rom 6:11  Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 

Rom 6:12  Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. 

Rom 6:13  Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 

Rom 6:14  For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. 

Once the Promise, the Truth comes into us, there is no longer a sacrifice for sins.  If we willfully continue in sin, we will have every expectation of fiery judgment that will consume the adversaries of God.  His grace shall prevail. See Hebrews 10.

After the Promise comes, a season is needed to establish ourselves and be settled, but it is not long.  Satan knows his time is short, and the Lord works quickly on the earth.  We resist steadfastly in the commandments, and we overcome, and in a little while, we are settled and established.

1Pe 5:9  Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

1Pe 5:10  But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 

We strive to be perfect and holy at every turn, knowing the Lord is faithful to finish the work and bring salvation.  Being young in faith, we may fall until we are established and strengthened in the grace of God.  Yet we never turn the grace into a license to keep sinning so that grace may abound.

Gal 5:16  This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 

But this little season is far different from a belief that says we do not overcome and stop sinning.  Even in a body of sinful flesh, the power of God is greater.  When we walk in the Spirit, we resist, overcome, and gain victory through the Lord Jesus Christ.

1Co 15:55  O death, where is thy sting?  O grave, where is thy victory? 

1Co 15:56  The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. 

1Co 15:57  But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

This victory over sin is right now if we belong to Christ and have the Spirit in us.  It is not out there in the future, which is the Spirit of the Pharisee.  It is TODAY.  Is the Spirit in you?  We have an easy test to find out.

Rom 8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you.  Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 

Rom 8:10  And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 

Rom 8:11  But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you. 

If we are still walking in the flesh, being overcome by sin, we do not have the power of God working in us.  When Christ comes for salvation, apart from sin the second time, we have been redeemed and belong to Him.  We are made debtors or also spoken of as bond servants.  By the power of God now dwelling in us, we mortify the lusts of our flesh, meaning we overcome sin.  We are either sons of God or not, and our fruits tell us what is true.

Rom 8:12  Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh. 

Rom 8:13  For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. 

Rom 8:14  For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 

Rom 8:15  For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 

Rom 8:16  The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: 

This does not mean we won’t stumble, particularly in our youth, after receiving the power unto salvation.  It takes a season to be settled and strengthened in the new realm in which we live.  But those lacking faith, take this and turn the grace of God into lasciviousness and a justification to remain dead in their sins.  Worse, they think they already have the Spirit and no longer hope or pray for it to come.

We never rest from doing the Lord’s work and say we have arrived, but continually press onward and upward for the high calling.  We get our crowns of glory, the fullness of the mind of Christ, when we depart the physical realm to be with the Lord in Spirit.  We never stop running until then.

2Ti 4:6  For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 

2Ti 4:7  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: 

2Ti 4:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 

Twisting Scripture to Stay in Sin

We need to address some Scriptures often used, to the exclusion of scores of others [many included here], to support a doctrine that there is no overcoming of sin in this life, even with the Spirit.  This set of Scripture does not nullify the scores of other Scriptures that tell us we are made perfect, as our Father who sits in heaven is perfect.

1Jn 1:8  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 

1Jn 1:9  If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

1Jn 1:10  If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 

This is not the sum of the Word, not even the sum of John’s first epistle.   John and all the Apostle letters are written to those who do not yet have the Promise, Christ dwelling in them, and to those to whom Christ is some into their heaven.   Once the Promise comes, the Living Christ with the Power, sin no longer has dominion over us, and we do not cling to the lie that we do not fully overcome our sins.

The same epistle of John also tells us that if we stand in the grace of God given to us in Christ, we cannot sin and we do overcome.

1Jn 3:9  Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 

1Jn 5:4  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. 

John also writes that if we do not keep His commandments, the Spirit of Truth is not in us, and we do not yet have the Promise and are not in Him.

1Jn 2:4  He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 

1Jn 2:5  But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him. 

1Jn 2:6  He that saith he abideth in him ought himself also so to walk, even as he walked. 

John warns us not to be deceived by the lie that we are righteous even when we do not overcome sin.  If we are still sinning after our little season, we remain of our father the devil, and have not the Spirit of Christ.  Jesus Christ does not fail to take away all sin in whom He comes.  We need to repent of our unbelief and then be baptized.  Do not be deceived.

1Jn 3:7  Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. 

1Jn 3:8  He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning.  For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. 

1Jn 3:10  In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. [Loving brethren is obeying God]

The narrow way of reconciling all of this is to acknowledge our failings, which are sins, which disappear as we mature in faith and learn to walk in the power of the Spirit.  We never boast or claim to be without sin because we know what we are without the Spirit of the Living God leading us.  Yet to say one cannot be perfected in this age is a lie that shipwrecks the faith of many.  Perfection, which is holiness, is the very reason the Lord comes.

We still abide in a flesh body that has sin in its members, but now we have the power of God working in us.  We struggle and groan, yet we still overcome because Christ, the Lord of the universe, is stronger than the flesh and the devil.

Rom 8:23  And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. 

Perfection Comes on the Third Day

This prophecy is not a maybe; it is a promise that the Lord is faithful to perform for all those given the gift of faith.

Luk 13:32  And he said unto them, Go ye, and tell that fox, Behold, I cast out devils, and I do cures to day and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected 

Following Christ means striving to be perfect and holy in all our behavior. Anything less than that is a lame sacrifice not acceptable to God, and we remain blind and lead ourselves and those who follow us into a ditch.  We need to be perfect, as our Master in heaven is perfect and guides us to be.

Luk 6:39  And he spake a parable unto them, Can the blind lead the blind?  shall they not both fall into the ditch? 

Luk 6:40  The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master. 

If we continue in sin, we are not following the Lord or walking in the Spirit.

Through the blood of the everlasting covenant, the great shepherd of the sheep, the Living Lord Jesus, is making us perfect in all ways.  He finishes this work before our race in these clay vessels ends.  Do not let anyone steal your crown as you run this race with endurance.

Heb 13:20  Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, 

Heb 13:21  Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever.  Amen.

How do we become Perfect?

We must let go of our false glory [the shadow] and the spiritual riches we have accumulated over many years of seeking God.  This is difficult, and few are made willing to make this deal with the Lord.  The parable of the rich young ruler gives the lesson.

Mat 19:21  Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.

Mat 19:22  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.

To follow Christ, all the past glory and religious experiences we hold dear need to be let go, as they are just the shadow of the truth.  The shadow of Christ, the law, has some glory, yet is only a temporary schoolmaster to hold us until the Living Christ, the Promise, comes.   Many who hear the true Christ, which is the Gospel and the Promise,  cannot let go of these riches, thinking they need nothing, not knowing they need the Promise.

Mat 19:23  Then Jesus said to His disciples, “Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 

Mat 19:24  And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

A rich young ruler is under the spell of the false prophet who lives in them until the Promise comes and burns that spirit up in the fire.  Our inward beast and false prophet are tossed into the lake of fire when Christ comes the second time for salvation apart from sin.  [See Rev 19:20]

The one thing the rich young ruler lacks is the Promise, which is the faith of Jesus Christ.  Sadly, he was unwilling to give up his possessions [the spiritual riches] to follow the Lord in Spirit and Power.  Conversely, Paul was willing to sell all his possessions to follow Christ and immediately saw all those prior religious experiences of glory and spiritual riches as dung.

Php 3:7  But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 

We attain the fullness of our crown when we depart the clay, so we always walk pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling, which is the crown of righteousness and glory we receive when we finish the race.

Php 3:12  Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 

Php 3:14  I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 

Php 3:15  Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. 

Php 3:16  Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. [being perfect in all]

When Christ comes in power, all our past glory and spiritual riches instantly become dung.  It is why, for example, we have taken down scores of older studies written in the dead letter and not with the power of the Gospel.  None of our prior walk or work was in the power of the resurrected Jesus Christ within us.  When brethren believe they are already rich and lack nothing, the Promise is not needed, and the asking price is too high.  Remaining in the letter of Christ and not the power, there is little overcoming, and one does not seek the very thing they desperately need.  The Living Christ remains far off.  The Lord must bring us to the point of selling all those spiritual riches to buy the pearl of the Living Gospel.

Denying the Resurrection

Believing one cannot completely overcome sin is saying Christ is not raised from the dead inside of them.  This belief denies the resurrection and thus proves that Christ is not now in them.  All Scripture is written in parables to have one think outwardly instead of in the Spirit, meaning “within you”.

1Co 15:12  Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  [within you]

1Co 15:13  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen:[within you]

1Co 15:14  And if Christ not be risen [within you], then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.

If we continue in sin, it’s a litmus test that Christ has not yet risen in us.

1Co 15:16  For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen:

1Co 15:17  And if Christ be not raised [within you], your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.

Thankfully, the Lord is the Saviour and His Word and Promises are true.    We are witnesses of His resurrection within us, and we hope for this blessing to come to all the brethren.

1Co 15:21  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.

1Co 15:22  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.

1Co 15:23  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.

Victory Through Christ

Today is the day of salvation if one has received the Promise.  Today is the third day, the day of the Lord, once the Promise comes.  It is not past, it is not in the future, it is TODAY.   We do not receive the grace of God in vain.

2Co 6:1  We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. 

2Co 6:2  For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 

Paul’s showing us the mystery below does not speak of the end of the physical age, as we all once believed.  The mystery is Christ coming for salvation now, in this age, with His Promise while we are in clay bodies.  In the twinkling of an eye, He is raised within us, and everything changes.  We are a new creation immediately and no longer know Jesus Christ in the flesh.

1Co 15:50  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.

1Co 15:51  Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

1Co 15:52  In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1Co 15:53  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

1Co 15:54  So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

Once raised with Christ, death is no longer applicable.  Those who receive the Promise have been resurrected from the dead with Jesus Christ.  We shall never taste death, as we have been resurrected unto eternal life.

Mat 16:28  Verily I say unto you, There be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom. 

If we are God’s elect, we are perfected on the third day, our day of the Lord, and are given dominion over sin.  We are ruling and reigning with Christ RIGHT NOW and have become His kings and priests on the earth.  We reign for a thousand years, one day to the Lord, and wait for the rest of the dead, representing all humanity, to be raised in the age to come.  The chosen few are the blessed, receiving the first resurrection now, so we, in turn, can be used to bring the blessing to others in the lake of fire.

Rev 20:5  But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished.  This is the first resurrection.

Rev 20:6  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.[today, which is our third day]

Given the Spirit of Promise, we now reside in the Lord’s courts and become doorkeepers in the house of God.  A far better place to be than to dwell in the tents of wickedness, who are all men who have not the Spirit of the Living God dwelling in them. [See Psa 84:10].

Living in John’s baptism, while we tarry, we abide in hope and our faith and wait for the Promise that comes with the power unto salvation.

1Jn 2:28  And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. 

1Jn 2:29  If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. 

We recently studied Pentecost coming to the Church at Ephesus in Acts 19. Those disciples were quickened and raised from the dead, receiving the Baptism of Christ. Paul writes to them in the past tense of their old way of life before the Promise came, which has now given them overcoming. They have been quickened and raised out of their sins into life in the Spirit.

Eph 2:1  And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 

Eph 2:2  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 

Eph 2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. 

Eph 2:5  Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 

Eph 2:6  And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:

Once raised by the Promise coming, we are God’s elect walking in power.  The Holy Spirit cleans us and causes us to obey the commandments.

1Pe 1:2  Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. 

We run our race with endurance.  Yes, there are falls at the start as we learn to walk worthy of our calling and election into the grace of the living God.  The young in the faith are exhorted to resist and strive until Christ is fully formed in them.  That is the role of the Body to wash feet, comfort, admonish, and exhort the young onwards to maturity.  The chastening of our Father works the work of righteousness.  He does not fail to bring total salvation and loses no sheep.

Beware antichrists in the World

We do not yet know the Lord; if we claim one cannot be perfected in this life, our faith is unbelief in the Promise of God.  Such are the deceived and deceivers, the antichrists who deny that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh.

1Jn 4:2  Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 

1Jn 4:3  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. 

Denying Christ has come in the flesh is spiritual language, meaning one denies the power of God in their flesh to give them overcoming and complete salvation from sin.  We try to persuade our brethren caught up in this lie to repent with one or two admonitions.  If they do not repent, we sin ourselves if we continue to eat and assemble with them.  We cannot let anyone fleece and devour the flock the Lord has set before us.

2Jn 1:7  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. 

2Jn 1:8  Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward. 

2Jn 1:9  Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God.  He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. 

2Jn 1:10  If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: 

2Jn 1:11  For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.

We do not wish this on anyone, but we must obey God and not men, having no respect of persons.  The way is narrow, and very few are given to find it.

Strive to be perfect until the race is over.  The Lord does not fail to perform what has been Promised.  Be ye holy because your Father in heaven is Holy.