"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things." Philippines 4:8
Atheists, in their pride and overwhelming arrogance spend their lives judging God – though by their own claim, do not believe in God yet spend their lives hating and judging Him – and making the claims that God is not real because of the evil that exists in this world. But what atheists fail to realize is that they’re using a moral compass not found in their own atheistic worldview. You see, in their worldview, there are no moral absolutes. No true right, no true wrong. Because if we believe we came from premodorial soup and this all exists from a “Big Bang” with no intelligent design behind it, then what is essentially believed is that intelligence came from non-intelligence. Morality came from no morality. Conscience came from no conscience.
This is type of thought-process is completely reversed from natural logic and reasoning in the human mind. No, natural logic tells our conscience that something always comes from something. That things don’t just appear out of nowhere with no intent behind it. Yet, atheists put on a false facade of intellect and say the absolute opposite of this natural logic. Atheists revel in being “logical” yet logic tells us that something designed has a Designer. That morality came from a moral standard. Knowledge came from higher knowledge. Wisdom from ultimate wisdom. Intelligence came from supreme intelligence. Human babies come from human mothers. Kittens came from cats. Learning comes from a teacher. A bruise came from a punch. A plane in the air came from the ground. I can go on and on forever listing these things off because the truth that everything came from something saturates the material and natural world around us. Yet – according to atheists, this world and everything in it came from… nothing?!? It is utterly illogical to believe that human thought, emotion, critical thinking, morality, conscience, love, not to mention all the physical aspects of this world – that all of these things would come from absolutely literally nothing.
Yet, though I am following natural human logic found in all of the material and natural world around me, I am the unintelligent one for believing in God. An atheist recently on my blog even had the audacity and blind arrogance to go so far to tell me that I did not have a double bachelors degree from a large respected university even after specifying that I indeed do. I have spent five and a half years of my life along with a little less than a hundred grand only for an atheist to come over to my blog and tell me, after reading one blog post, that I do not have a degree and I’m making it up – merely because he doesn’t like what I wrote and doesn’t agree with it. Why am I mentioning this? Because this kind of attitude, this willingness for atheists to literally say anything (even the most illogical, unreasonable, and foolish things including petty, childish, unfounded personal insults and attacks) in order to uphold and support their worldview, goes to show how they should not be trusted in anything else they believe. But I digress.
With their worldview and fundamental belief system that everything in the natural world came from nothing, they still decide to borrow the Christian worldview to judge the God, albeit claiming simultaneously that He does not exist. How a person can both claim something doesn’t exist yet judge it at the same time is beyond me. But this is the false logic and utter folly of atheism.
For atheists to judge means the atheist is setting a standard at which to judge. A standard of right and wrong. But I ask, how do you know right from wrong and why are you using morality to judge if your existence came from no intelligence, no higher power to which we must be accountable? To do so is borrowing from the biblical perspective in order to prove your atheism, which does not work logically and is therefore refuted immediately. I mean, since you came from a blob with no conscience, who are you to even say evil is wrong? Who are you to judge anything? Who are you to make claims what is right or is wrong, when you literally came from a blob? Therefore, you can’t say murder is wrong. You can’t say rape is wrong. You can’t say kidnapping is wrong, because oh, you are just a blob from nothing and you have no right to tell anyone else what is right or wrong, because they might not adhere to your morality (which you inherited from God).
Absolute morality (morality that you ascribe to), proves the existence of God because it means that all of humanity is ascribing to a higher morality, which had to have come from somewhere and would never come from a blob of chemicals from a big bang. You may say there is no absolute morality which means there is no higher morality (God) to adhere to). But oh, there is. Please answer this: is it always wrong to kill babies merely for one’s own personal pleasure? Think critically and honestly.
The answer is yes. And since the answer is yes, then there is indeed a moral absolute. And if there’s a moral absolute, where does it come from? A moral absolute set across humanity must come from something – or Someone – higher than us. And if there is one higher than us, then we are accountable to Him.
And His name is Jesus Christ. And everyone, including all of those angry atheists, know it.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. (Revelation 1:8)
It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. (Hebrews 10:31)
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. (1 Corinthians 3:19)
The short answer? Yes. The long answer? Please read on to find out.
An atheist recently responded to one of my recent posts, titled “When You Live Your Life Apart From God“. You can read the original post here.
This individual claims no belief in God, yet states to possess a meaningful life full of purpose even though he denies the very God who put breath in his lungs. Are his claims true? Let us consider the atheistic view in light of scripture to find out.
Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it. (Isaiah 1:18-20)
So, this written work is to address all atheists who do not believe in God, who try to lean on flawed humanistic logic above perfect divine truth.
This atheist who responded to my blog post inherently believes that he refuted the notion that the human soul needs God for salvation, purpose, meaning, and fulfillment. However, he will never be able to refute this because truth cannot be refuted.
Atheism relies heavily on scientific “proof”. This science that atheists rely on for their worldview is actually pseudo-science, not true science. Because true science does not disprove God, it only leads to the truth of God’s existence. For instance, when we look at an automobile, it would be completely irrational to believe that the car made itself or came together from absolutely nothing. Can you imagine 4 perfect rounded wheels, each the exact same size, just forming from a big purposeless and chaotic explosion? Can you imagine a fan engine materializing from thin air, a muffler appearing from nowhere? Can you imagine all of these components (along with hundreds of other parts) of an automobile coming together in perfect puzzled unison to create a working car?!
No, that is utterly irrational and foolish to think that it just came from a big bang. But why is it so difficult to believe that human beings, animals, nature, the earth – which is inherently so much more complex, mysterious and beautiful than a man-made car – why is it so hard to believe that humans and animals and nature came and formed ultimately from an explosion and that ‘nothing‘ created it?
If you are of a humbled mind, you can see how absurd this would be. We all know it takes an entire team of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software, and safety engineers, create automobiles; multiple disciplines working together. It takes intelligence, intent, work, power, planning, mathematics, preciseness, and effort to create an automobile. Yet, in the mind of an atheist, the human body, which is so much more detailed, intricate, and complex…came from absolutely no intelligent design. It came from nothing in the mind of an atheist. Because of this, life is completely meaningless to an atheist, including his and her own life.
It isn’t just the human form that is intricate and complex, this holds true for every little thing in existence. Every little thing, even from the tiniest ant to a leaf, to a single snowflake, to the majestically grandeur mountains, to the single wing of a bird, to the sun, to the human heart, is so complex and so obviouslydesigned, that it is absolutely irrational to think it was not created. How can one think everything came from nothing? Nothing cannot produce anything because it is…well, nothing. Even if in the beginning matter did exist, matter is still considered something and being that matter is not eternal energy, it will eventually fizzle out. Something or Someone had to exist before matter. And whether you believe or not does not change His existence. God is the Creator of all this through Jesus Christ.
The Bible has something to say about those who do not believe in God. God’s word says atheists are a fool because deep inside they know God exists yet they suppress that truth deep down inside the pit of their soul. Their deep hatred for God causes them to suppress the truth regarding His existence. They do not disbelieve in God; indeed, they believe in Him, yet have hatred for Him so they refuse to humble themselves. This is why you see atheists get ruffled up by Christians so often – because Christians are speaking the truth of what atheists, deep down in the core of their soul know is true yet hate with a passionate hatred. They are convicted in the presence of truth (Christians).
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good. (Psalm 14:1)
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. (Romans 1:19-20)
Atheist like to trust in their intellect which will never bring them to actual truth, because human intellect can and will never supersede God who made man’s mind, the Creator must supersede His own creation.
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
What atheists don’t realize, to their own destruction, is that their “intellect” gives them a false hope. They hope for nothing in this world and believe in nothing which makes their life of the upmost meaningless. They can deny being miserable in their spirit all they want, but the truth of the matter is is that their soul is not reconciled to God, and therefore true joy for them will never be found until they trust in Christ.
Trying to make a claim that people in other cultures or religions are happy is a false argument because being outwardly happy or content does not mean they do not need God. Being “outwardly” happy is one thing, but I’m talking about the heart, spirit, and soul – the true self, not the outward self. One can observe another and come to the conclusion they are happy based on superficial findings; however, that person or people group in observation can indeed be miserable although it may be contrary to what they portray to the world. This would be an obvious understanding in rational intellect regarding social behaviour and social normatives, especially given the “false mask” of the Facebook and Instagram age we are currently (and regrettably) in.
Indeed, one simply cannot look on the outside of another and claim to know what is true in their spirit or heart. One, however, can make the determination based on spiritual truths in understanding that the human soul is desperate for God and until that soul turns to its Creator in humble trust and repentance, that soul’s existence is miserable and meaningless. There is no way one can be truly content or have purpose without God. The fact that other religions (such as Native Americans who practice paganism) worship false and evil “gods” and act in wicked ways according to their false religion proved they are empty and in despair for meaning. They traded the truth of God for a lie, and so atheists you in their disbelief.
Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (Romans 1:25)
Atheists are trading the truth of God for the lie of atheism. Atheism leaves individuals hopeless, they live a life devoid of real meaning. Sure you can become rich, acquire cars, homes and other material needs but when you die will you take those things with you? The reason why people become atheists is that they want to be their own god, they want to live in sin, they indulge unrighteousness and drink it up like water. But they don’t want to be accountable to anyone. Atheists do not want to be held accountable for anything in this life. They are saturated in their own pride and refuse to answer to anyone, so they suppress the truth of God and insist they are their own god. They cannot fathom that there’s an authority greater than themselves, an intelligence higher than themselves, and a Creator who demands something from them. So they walk through their life delusional in thinking that flawed and limited man is the highest authority and intelligence in existence. They base their entire worldview on only what they can see, and completely reject what they can’t see as being anything worthy of consideration. Because they can’t see it, they reject it. They claim to lean on science, yet science itself claims that wind and love exists even though it is unseen to the natural eye. This is a false dichotomy. Atheists only believe what fits their agenda, not what the actual truth is.
Atheist’s pride in the end will be destructive to their own soul, once they die and face the judgement of God. When this happens, they will realize that they were wrong about God’s existence and the deception they believed that humanity just appeared here from a Big Bang. They will deeply regret not trusting in Christ and submitting to Him as King of kings and Lord of lords. They will weep and gnash their teeth, wishing they listened to Christians like me speaking the truth about God and salvation. If they continue to submerse themselves in their own pride, walking this earth that they didn’t create, enjoying their family that they didn’t create, enjoying sunsets that they didn’t create, yet stubbornly refusing their very own Creator, they will walk straight to eternal destruction.
And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment. (Hebrews 9:27)
But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 8:12)
Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall. (Provers 16:18)
Can atheists honestly believe the complexities of the human brain was an accident? The human eye with all it’s intricate muscles which help to focus better and more accurately than a camera just appeared out of nothing? The eyes alone are so precise that they focus or unfocus without you thinking about it, and both your eyes can view objects with much more accuracy than any man-made device. I am confident when I say that just the eye alone is enough to prove immensely and sufficiently of God’s existence.
But atheists fail to see with the eyes that God has given them the truth of His existence and majesty. Looking at His creation, something so small as an eye shows forth His wonders and power, creativeness and beauty. How can they be blind to this, so to speak?
Atheists are foolish because they are living their life breathing with lungs and a heart inside your chest, keeping them alive, that they didn’t put there, yet they try to believe that it just formed from a goop of primordial soup billions of years ago, fast forward to today and all of a sudden here’s a complex, precisely put together human being that is so obviously designed to function with purpose. All of a sudden, here’s a human with so much complexity that trying to fully understand the brain alone would take humanity a million lifetimes. It’s irrational and illogical, devoid of reason. In lieu of this, atheists still esteem themselves as highly intellectual and say those who affirm a Creator are of a lower IQ. Yet, in the same breath, they will proclaim that humans came from apes! What mindless conclusions!
And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul. (Genesis 2:7)
Indeed, atheists do not possess true intellect, but folly. And unfortunately, folly that will cause them to end up being punished eternally for it if they do not humble themselves before the one true God Jesus Christ, and stop trying to be their own God which will lead them to their own detriment.
The truth is, God did create all of humanity and the world around us whether atheists like it or not, whether they believe it or not, and no matter how superficiallyhappy they claim to be. (Emphasis on superficially). Truth cannot be changed whether you choose to believe or not; truth remains a fact because God ordained it to be so. Fire consumes wood for-instance, would that change because you choose not to believe it? Of course not, the same holds true for the existence of God.
There’s no fulfillment in life apart from the one true God. That goes for anyone – those who simply believe there is no God, and those worshipping false gods such as Muslims, Hindus, Native Americans, and Jehovah’s witnesses, amongst many others. How can you be fulfilled when you don’t have salvation of your soul? You are living in complete and utter darkness and there’s nothing you can do outside of God to be truly fulfilled, you’re life is but a vapour:
James 4:14-16 Whereas ye know not what [shall be] on the morrow. For what [is] your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye [ought] to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that. But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil.
Because you do not believe the truth of God, you are blind, deaf, and in darkness:
Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. [But to those who trusted in Christ], But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. (Matthew 13:13-15).
There’s only one truth. Jesus said I am the way, the truth, and the life. There aren’t many ways, there is only one way. There aren’t many truths, there is only one truth. There is only life found in Christ, and if you have not life in Christ, you are spiritually dead and do not have life at all.
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)
Either there is a God, or there isn’t a God. How can you (an atheist) look at all the beauty of the world and think that there is no intelligent creator who created all of this?! When you look into the mathematical aspect of nature and creation, you’ll see that everything is mathematically precise. Look up the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio. There’s literal coding behind ALL existence, including your DNA, which proves of an intelligent Creator behind all of creation. You think a big explosion could create perfect and precise mathematical code? Absolutely not. And you are sincerely deceived and living in falsity, to your own detriment. You’ve been lied to about your religion (atheism) and accepted it as truth, but it is not truth, it is only a lie – one that is unfortunately sending multitudes of people to hell.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. (Romans 1:18-23, 28-32)
Your rejection of God and the gospel will have severe consequences on your own soul. You can lie to your heart all you want that you don’t need God and that you’re perfectly content without him, but God knows your heart and that you are simply deceiving yourself. You need Jesus Christ, He is God in the flesh who is the only answer to true salvation, love, fulfillment. You will end up in hell and be lost forever if you do not let go of your pride and arrogance and finally surrender to the God who created you.
In regards to the meaninglessness of an atheist, I do not say that the family of an atheist is meaningless, I made the statement that family is a gift from God and it’s beautiful and wonderful. I’m certain that there are many atheists who love their family and find fulfillment in it, but you see, my point is that familial fulfillment will only last but a moment in the grand scheme of your existence – what really matters is not your earthly family, but your soul and the souls in your family, and where those souls will end up once they breathe their last breath. At the end of the day, if you and your family end up in hell for not trusting in Christ, your life spent enjoying your family will be meaningless. If you end up in hell, everything is meaningless.
Jesus Christ spoke of a rich man who placed his hope in riches and in the “fulfillments” of this world. Tragically, he regretted it afterwards when it was too late.
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).
The reason atheists lack wisdom, knowledge and logic and cannot comprehend truth is because they have nofear of God. The Bible says only those who fear (respect, worship, honour) the LORD are the ones with true wisdom and knowledge. Those who deny Him have no understanding at all.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever. (Psalm 111:10)
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction. (Proverbs 1:7)
If you do not turn to Him, you will regret it. Atheists, I plead with you in love to think on these things. I know in your mind, because you cannot physically see God, that He doesn’t exist. But what about love and wind? You can’t see those either. There is more to life than being a blob formed from primordial soup, being formed with no intentions, no love, no power behind why you exist. You exist for a reason, not by accident. It’s not me who is claiming that your life is meaningless, it is you that claims your own life is meaningless by your own belief system and your own life. Because you believe that you were not specially and purposefully created by God, nobody and nothing is special to you because you’re just a happenstance. Life isn’t special to you because nothing chose to create your life. By your own life and beliefs, you claim misery and purposeless. Without God, there is no purpose or meaning or joy.
You can give all the reasons not to believe in God (none of which are valid), but just the fact that you have life and exist should convince you enough. But you’re in darkness and therefore cannot see. You’re deaf and cannot hear the truth. Your deceived so you can not comprehend the truth. But I pray that your eyes open that they may see the truth, your ears open so that they may hear the truth, and your mind turn to the light of truth and reject the darkness you have been living in.
If you don’t trust in Jesus Christ repent and turn to Him for the forgiveness of your sins, you will end up separated from Him for all eternity. I don’t want that for you or anyone, which is why I took the time to write this in a post. This is all said in love but if I truly love, I will be honest and that’s what I have done. I will pray that you will put your faith in Jesus so that you may have true life.
I plead with all atheists who read this to please search the scriptures with an open heart. Realize that you could be mistaken in your belief that there is no God, and humble yourself before Him. Turn to Him and believe on His name and you can have eternal life. To be free of a meaningless life, you must possess eternal life. Without it, death resides. Please think of these things written here today before it is too late and you take your last breath. you never know when that last breath may be. Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation.
God loves you more than you can ever fathom, more than you have ever felt, and beyond what you can comprehend. He’s worth trusting, He’s worth loving, He’s worthy of your faith. Please stop believing in yourself as your saviour, and start believing in the only One who can save you and the only one worthy of worship: Jesus Christ the one true God. Please seek Him before you die and it’s too late. Grab a bible and read. It’s where the only truth lies.
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. (John 3:16)
But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8)
Please watch this documentary, it is very eye-opening.
If you’ve been following along, last time we took a look at one of the Christadelphians core beliefs. The Christadelphians deny that God is three persons, a common error you’ll find with groups such as these is they deviate from fundamental Christian beliefs. If you missed the article you can read it here: Christadelphians “Doctrines to be Rejected” We reject the doctrine that God is three persons.
We reject The Son of God was co-eternal with the Father.
This article is to compare the Jesus of the Christadelphians with the Lord Jesus of the Bible. Paul the apostle said to the saints in Corinth that it was possible to be deceived by an another Jesus, another spirit and another gospel. We endeavour to seek the truth of God’s word so that we’re not deceived into believing in a Jesus which cannot save us from our sins.
As Christians it’s simple to know when a religion tries to pass off their version of Jesus as being “just a prophet” or “just a good teacher”. We can agree Jesus Christ is a prophet and teacher but to believers He’s much much more! Identifying non-Christian cults is more tricky as they tend to use the same biblical terminology but with different meanings, that’s what makes them dangerous.
Some religions have suggested that their gods have sexual relations with mortals. The account of the birth of Jesus is not like this at all. The one true God, who created all life, created His Son in the womb of Mary. Jesus was truly the son of Mary and truly the Son of God; a child miraculously formed in her womb by the Spirit power of the Creator Himself. — Who is Jesus?
(christadelphia.org)
Please pay close attention to the quote, notice the Christadelphians believe that Jesus Christ was “created in the womb”. They deny His pre-existence, what this article will seek to prove is that Jesus Christ indeed pre-exist before the incarnation. A classical way to prove this would be to start where most would in the Gospel of John but we’re not going to do that, we other scriptures which prove who is Jesus Christ.
The book of Psalms gives us an answer when compared with other scriptures, king David a man after God’s own heart was also called a prophet (Acts 2:29-30) he prayed to the LORD saying:
It’s a prayer to God how do we know? Because he says “Hear my prayer, O LORD”. We established this is a prayer to God later on in verses 25-27 we’re told about the attributes of the LORD.
The verses above tell us that God “laid the foundation of the earth” and created the heavens. The immutable unchanging eternal LORD God will never perish and will remain forever, but the earth and heavens will perish. Keeping our place turn with me to the book of Hebrews chapter 1.
In Hebrews the focus is the Lord Jesus Christ, Hebrews chapter 1 talks about how Christ is better than all the angels, therefore Christ cannot be an angel (sorry Jehovah Witnesses). The chapter tells us that God spoke to us in various ways, those ways are through the Old Testament prophets and fathers but in these last days was spoken by His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2)
Continuing down in verse 8 the Father calls the Son God saying the Son’s throne will last forever.
Notice that the writer of Hebrews is quoting from Psalm 45:6-7 and is directly applying them to Jesus Christ in verses 8, 9 but that’s not the main point, it’s the next 3 verses we’re interested in.
Please note the quote from Psalm 102:25-27 and Hebrews 1:10-12 are word for word the same. This shows that Jesus Christ created the heavens and the earth because He’s God. The final nail in the coffin of the Christiadelphian beliefs is found in the book of Isaiah in which we have the LORD saying He created everything alone by Himself.
Now if Jesus is not God but created as the Christadelphians would suggest then that would be a contradiction in God’s word. We know that God’s word never contradicts even if it seems like one, therefore, we know that Jesus Christ did in fact pre-exist. There you have it straight from God’s word, Jesus Christ is God!
Other scriptures which prove His deity are: John 1:1-3 (All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.), Colossians 1:15-17 (…For by him were all things created,…), John 8:58 (…Before Abraham was, I am.).
As always feel free to like or comment and until next time God bless.
Learn more about the Christadelphian cult from these sites:
You may seem like you have things under control. You feel like you don’t need Him, because you can’t see Him, and if you can’t see Him, then you don’t need Him. You trust in yourself and what you can do. Your heart feels like an empty pit of darkness and purposeless because you walk around this earth not even knowing why you have breath in your lungs. You spend your life trying to fill that emptiness you have with things like sexual immorality, pornography, gambling, drinking, money, or even good things such as family, security, job, and staying busy. Family is one of the most beautiful things given to us by the Lord in this life, but if you have a family without God? Meaningless. It’s all meaningless without God. But with God, everything is meaningful.
Yet apart from God, no matter what you turn to, whether it be something dark and sinful like pornography, or something “clean” and seemingly fulfilling such as family, your strivings to fill that void within your soul are in vain because you realize at the end of the day, you’re still empty. You yourself can never fill that void, nor the things you try to fill it with.
You thought climbing up the ladder socially, financially, educationally, and occupationally would give you the “perfect” life and the ultimate happiness. The American dream, right?
Wrong. Because in this quest for total life fulfillment you failed to turn to the only One who can give your heart and soul purpose, the only One who can give you fulfillment and satisfaction, the only One who can save your soul. You spend your life denying God and His existence, yet you seek lesser and temporal joys that always leave you more and more empty. You realize you have it all on the outside but are still empty in your heart.
When you live your life apart from God…
You fall into to addictions such as drugs, prescriptions, pornography, and alcohol because that desire to fill that void inside of your heart and soul became out of control and the need to fill it was unquenched, so thus began the seed of addiction. Your need to be filled has spiraled into complete uncontrollable urges to keep up with that dopamine hit and that rush. But it always leaves you feeling empty and in despair, once it is over. And, it will always end. It is temporal and leaves you more shattered every single time you indulge in these things, because even though these things may give you a pleasurable hit, it is devastating to the well-being of your soul.
When you live your life apart from God…
You are walking on this earth and your eternal destiny is hell. You work and work and work to get ahead in this life and stock up the riches and the big family and the big house with a pool, only to die and live in eternal judgement where none of the things you acquired on this earth will even matter to you in the slightest, because it’s all over. You spent your life seeking everything but God, and now it’s too late and there are consequences. You will live your life apart from God, and then die and see His glorious face in judgement. There, you will realize that your entire life was spent in vain and you will weep and gnash your teeth and cry for a second chance…but there will no longer be any chances.
When you live your life for God…
You recognize that you are a sinner and you have sinned against a holy, righteous, perfect God. You recognize that God is just and good, and that you will be judged because you have broken His law. You recognize that you are completely useless to try and save yourself or win God’s favor by anything you do. You recognize that all of your “good works” are filthy rags because everything you do is tainted by sin, and God sees all things – even a grain of impurity. You recognize that because of this, you are destined for eternal punishment in hell because just like a just judge in a courtroom will not let broken laws go unpunished, a holy God even more so will not let those who broke His perfect law go unpunished. You realize, with fear and trembling, that Hell awaits you once you die. And you turn to Him.
When you live your life for God…
You become helpless to do anything to go to heaven yourself. You recognize that you are desperate for a Saviour, and it is only found in the Lord Jesus Christ, the One true God. You recognize that He is absolutely perfect, lived the perfect life you cannot live and kept God’s law perfectly the way you would never be able to. You recognize that Jesus died on the cross for your sins, shedding His perfect blood for you, and rose again three days later.
And you put your faith and trust in Him, letting go of everything and falling into His eternal arms, trusting in His forgiveness and love and mercy and grace. When this happens, your soul is saved for all eternity.
When you live your life for God…
You realize that your time on earth is short, but you are on your way to Heaven. Death no longer scares you, and you know that you are loved immensely by the God who made you. You now have a desire for Him, to talk about Him, read His word, preach the gospel – you live, breath, and live more for God! He captures your every thought, and He fills your mind. You fall in love with Him as you see His creation as a display of His own beauty. You live your life with the burdens of sins on your shoulders lifted. You live your life with your soul satisfied knowing you have a personal relationship with Christ that will never, ever, ever end. You know that whatever happens, God is in control. You have peace that any hardships that occur, God will work it out for your good. You know that the things of this world are only temporal, so you don’t put your heart or trust in them. You are free from the bondages of this world to live for Christ and Christ alone, and you have the love of God in your heart for the first time – a love that is so immense that it takes your breath away.
When you live your life apart from God…
You are dead.
When you live your life for God…
You are truly living.
The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. Vanity of vanities, saith the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity. (Ecclesiastes 1:1-2)
Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. (Ecclesiastes 12:13)
And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. (Matthew 13.50)
And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; 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: 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. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2: 1-10)
Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:2)
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. (Matthew 22:37)
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
The Christadelphians are a non-Trinitarian, millennial non-Christian group which was started by Dr. John Thomas who was born in London England. He immigrated to the United States in 1832. Thomas was a member of the Campbellite group known as the Disciples, after leaving the Campbellites he started Christadelphian movement.
A group that states they believe in the Bible and are Christians but in some way divert from the biblical teaching of Christianity aren’t Christian at all. In-fact all cults will in some way try to include “works” as a means of obtaining salvation.
“Doctrinally, the Christadelphians are unique in Christendom in our understanding of the nature of Christ, and the way in which we are redeemed by his death. We reject as unbiblical the idea that Christ could die as a replacement sacrifice for us, thus covering all our sins forever with that one act. Certainly it is through his sacrifice that we may be forgiven, but only if we walk the path of self-denial that he marked out for us.” — (christadelphia.org)
As the late Dr. Walter Martin put it “the Christadelphians a very small cult, …but very influential”. This quote from Martin given at a talk he gave about the Jehovah Witnesses and the doctrines the Watchtower absorbed from the Christadelphians through Charles Taze Russell. Jehovah Witnesses are one of the worlds largest cult behind Mormonism so we can see how a small cult influenced another. Both cults deny the Trinity or Godhead and this is where our focus will be.
We reject the doctrine that God is three persons.
The Christadelphians are a “restorationist” group, this Movement began in the United States during the “Second Great Awakening” (1790–1840) of the early 19th century. A lot of cults developed during this time due to much confusion of what the Bible teaches and claims of “new revelation” from God, some notable mentions are Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses and Christian Science.
Getting to the doctrine of the Trinity this is what one of their online pamphlets “One God or a Trinity?“ has to say.
“So far in this booklet everything that was said was supported by quotes from the Bible, and only the Bible. However when discussing the Trinity that will not be possible, because the Trinity is something that originates from outside the Bible. Nowhere in the Bible do we find the word ‘Trinity’, nor do we find the Trinitarian terms ‘God the son’ or ‘God the Holy Spirit’. Religious historians and commentators, who believe in the doctrine of the Trinity, admit that the doctrine is not a teaching from the Old Testament:” — One God or a Trinity? (christadelphia.org)
Must the words “God the Son” or “God the Holy Spirit” be expressed in this exact same way in order for the Trinity to be true? The word “Bible” is nowhere to be found yet we all agree to the word of God as being the Bible. The doctrine of the Trinity (Godhead) is found all throughout the scriptures.
To start John the apostle says “no man hath seen God at anytime” in the Gospel of John.
John is very clear no man has seen God, but what does that mean? In the second verse quoted John says “Not that any man hath seen the Father” and we can all agree that the Father is God, I don’t think anyone would disagree on that. If that’s so does the Bible contradict itself? Absolutely not, not by any means therefore let us consider other passages in scripture.
Adam and Eve were the first man and woman created by God yet they walked with God in the garden (Genesis 2:15-3:24). They enjoyed direct fellowship with God before being removed from the garden after they sinned.
Abraham saw God and even had a meal prepared by Sarah for Him Genesis 18:1 “And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;” read Genesis chapter 18 for the entire account.
Genesis 18:6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead [it], and make cakes upon the hearth.
Hagar also saw God when she ran away and encountered the LORD in the desert (Genesis 16:9-16) God then told her she would have a son and to call him Ishmael.
Moses saw God and spake with him mouth to mouth (Numbers 12:8). Others who saw God include Jacob, Isaiah, David, Job, Gideon, Manoah and his wife. Plenty of accounts in the Old Testament with people seeing God, yet in John’s Gospel we read “Not that any man hath seen the Father…”. The question must be asked, who then did they see?
Old Testament and New Testament quotations
The Christadelphians affirm that the Father is God, as do all Christians but they are stuck logically when we compare verses such as in the book of Isaiah and the Gospel of John we read:
Here we have the vision of Isaiah seeing the Lord sitting upon His throne. If you could ask Isaiah who did he see Isaiah would say he saw God Almighty. Keeping this in mind and reading in John’s Gospel the apostle answers the question of who Isaiah saw on the throne.
John tells us that Isaiah saw Jesus Christ in that vision and Isaiah says he saw the Lord. We must come to the conclusion that if the Bible has no contradictions which we believe does not. Then it’s straight forward to see Jesus Christ is God Almighty just as the Father and the Holy Spirit are also God Almighty.
It is a serious error on the part of the Christadelphians and the position they hold to is one concerning salvation. As they reject the fact Jesus is God then they cannot be saved no this premise alone as well as many other heretical beliefs they hold.
We beseech you if you’re part of this cult be aware you’re being mislead by false doctrine. We will be examining point by point more of the beliefs of the Christadelphians. The Bible tells us to have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them (Ephesians 5:11). The Christadelphians teach another gospel which is not another and are accursed because of it.
You can still come to know the true God of the Bible, Jesus Christ can be your redeemer if you place your trust in Him and in Him alone. We hope you enjoyed this reading, feel free to leave any comments. God bless and praise the Lord Jesus our Lord and our God (John 20:28).
NBA legend Kobe Bryant, 41, died Sunday in a helicopter crash. Fatal crash: Bryant was one of nine people who died when the helicopter they were in crashed on a hillside in Calabasas, California. Among the victims was Bryant’s 13-year-old daughter Gianna.
What a tragic event it is when a soul is lost for all eternity. I’m sure Kobe Bryant enjoyed the fame and publicity which came from being a basketball star, but if he could speak right now I’m certain it wouldn’t be about basketball. It would be about knowing his Creator knowing Jesus Christ before passing away.
Here’s a man who had everything going for him yet with all the wealth accumulated, fame and fortune what did it profit him in the end? He couldn’t take any of it with him and if Kobe never got saved by trusting in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of his sins; then as sad as it is to say Kobe is forever separated from God.
I hope that when he was alive he trusted in the Lord Jesus and was saved, as far as I know Kobe Bryant was not a believer in Jesus Christ. And if not then tragically he’s in hell. This reminds me of what the Lord Jesus said about the rich man and Lazarus in the Gospel of Luke. Read it for yourself and determine if being rich is worth more than knowing Christ.
It is with out sincerest condolences that our hearts go out to the Bryant family. While this is a great tragedy perhaps this will wake up his family that they may see that life is fleeting. One day you’re here and the next moment you’re not. May we all take heed to the words of the Lord Jesus.
The following quote from the Watchtower (Jehovah Witnesses) is concerning who will be in heaven. According to Jehovah Witnesses they believe that there are 2 groups, the first group is the “anointed class” of Jehovah Witnesses; the second group is referred to as “the great crowd”.
The Jehovah Witnesses teach that only 144,000 anointed Christians will be in heaven ruling with Jesus Christ as kings and priest. The great crowd will remain to live on paradise earth for all eternity.
WHERE WILL THE GREAT CROWD LIVE?
Here’s what the Watchtower says:
Christendom generally does not teach the Scriptural truth that one day obedient humans will live forever on earth. (2 Cor. 4:3, 4) Today, most religions in Christendom teach that all good people go to heaven when they die. It was different, however, with the small group of Bible Students who were publishing the Watch Tower in the late 1800’s. They understood that God would restore Paradise on earth and that millions of obedient humans would live here on earth—not in heaven. However, it took time for them to discern clearly who these obedient humans would be.—Matt. 6:10.
What Jehovah Witnesses do is they will say that “the light is getting brighter” to cover up any false teachings they have and then will change their teachings to another belief. They derive this from the book of proverbs.
They misinterpret and take this verse in proverbs to say that understanding of God’s word gets brighter. Thereby they can retract false prophecies and teachings at their own leisure. Is that what this verse means?
If we read scripture in context and read the verse before and after we will see the true meaning of Proverbs 4:18
Notice the context is a contrast between a wicked person and a just or righteous person. It has nothing to do with understanding God’s word because the light gets brighter but I digress.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT WHO WILL BE IN HEAVEN?
The concept of the great crowd comes from the book of Revelation, the Watchtower takes this verse in Revelation saying only 144,000 (Revelation 7:4-8) will be in heaven.
In Revelation 7:9 it says both the 144,000 and the great multitude/crowd is standing “before the throne”, this is a vision of heaven. They are also standing before God who’s on the throne and the Lamb. That’s not all we also are told the angels, elders and four beast worshipped before the throne.
It’s very important that when we witness to cults to read the context of the verses as cult like to remove a text and try to put their own spin on it to support their own theology.
What do you think is the Watchtower right or the Bible? Study the scriptures for yourself and see what’s the truth, here are some verses on the subject.
As you can see heaven is not only for the 144,000, it is for everyone who has trusted in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. Feel free to leave your comments and thanks for reading. God bless.
The Greek Septuagint named for the 70 Jewish men who translated the Hebrew Old Testament scriptures into Greek around 300-200 BC was written for Hellenistic Jews living outside of Jerusalem in parts of Greece. This Greek translation was produced because many Jews dispersed throughout the empire were beginning to lose their Hebrew beliefs. These Jews who were living among Gentiles were accustomed to reading in the Greek tongue and it was important for the men who wrote the Septuagint that it would be understandable to those Jews living abroad.
Additionally, the Greek Septuagint gave Gentiles insight into the beliefs of Judaism being that it was written in their own language. The Septuagint was also a source of the Old Testament for early Christians during the first few centuries AD. Many Christians at that time spoke and read Greek, thus they relied on the Septuagint translation for a majority of their understanding of the Old Testament scriptures.
The New Testament writers also relied on the Septuagint, as a majority of Old Testament quotes are cited in the New Testament and are quoted directly from the Septuagint. When it came to referencing God the Septuagint writers took the name κύριος (kyrios) which is only reserved in praise and worship of God Almighty translating it to LORD.
The New Testament writers understood the Old Testament scriptures very well, remember in the time when Jesus Christ walked with His disciples they didn’t have any of the New Testament writings yet. For Christ was not yet ascended, after His ascension is when the New Testament was composed by the apostles.
Saul of Tarsus started as a pharisee before he was converted and became the apostle Paul. He would have known the Old Testament scriptures very well yet when Paul wrote his epistles he took the phrase “called upon the name of the LORD” and applied this same phrase to the Lord Jesus.
This is just more strong evidence for the deity of Jesus Christ as being the Almighty God who created all things (John 1:3; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:16-17; Revelation 4:11). If you don’t know Jesus Christ as you’re Lord and Saviour then you’re without life as Jesus is the source of life. Jesus said speaking of Himself.
Sin separates us from God and we’re told in God’s word that if we die in our sins we will be lost for all eternity, all unbelievers will be cast into the Lake of Fire the Bible says; which is the second death. We all sinned against God but not all of us will end up in hell because we’ve trusted in Christ for the forgiveness of our sins. Will you do the same?
In the book of John it says that if you receive the Lord Jesus then you can become a son or child of God. You’ll be adopted into the family of God and will be given eternal life.
You’ll be born again and God will dwell in you making you a new creature, at this time you’ll begin to love the things of God, and you’ll love people by sharing the truth of what Jesus Christ came to do and that’s to save sinners. As the apostle Peter said you’ll have a “lively hope”.
All too often I hear of people experiencing depression. Depression is a debilitating affliction and it causes people to feel like there is no purpose to life. I experienced a bit of this at various points in my life before I was saved by Jesus Christ. I did not experience clinical depression, but I felt it at times and saw it first-hand in people around me to understand just how its effects can be heart-wrenching and crippling to the human life. When one suffers from depression, he or she wonders, why am I alive? What is the point? Why even do groceries, garden, or anything at all? There is no joy, no purpose, no fulfillment…only a dark black void with seemingly no escape. A feeling of despair within one’s soul. Everything feels numb and it is difficult to enjoy life or feel appreciation for anything. Some people have such severe depression that they take their own lives, a grave mistake because there is no rest after death for those who do not trust in Christ.
This pondering of what is the purpose to life is part of my testimony, because these questions about my existence led me to the one true God. I needed to know why I was here, breathing and living.
Now that I have been saved by the blood of the Lamb, I have a perspective on depression that I believe doctors are missing and they will never get, because they focus on simply the physical and psychological and nothing more. But they are sorely mistaken, because there is so much more. In fact, doctors only treat the mere surface of something so much deeper that only God can cure. What is more than the physical or the psychological?
The spiritual.
People get depressed because they do not feel there is purpose to life. They feel alone, they feel joyless, they feel like there is no point so why even try. The reason people feel these things is because they do not have a reconciled relationship with their Creator. This is, and will always be, the root cause of deep unending severe depression. They are a living being that has been created by God, yet they are trying to live their life completely set apart from Him. It isn’t going to happen, and there is absolutely no cure for depression except that they surrender their life to Jesus Christ, trusting in Him and being born-again.
Once this happens, your loneliness dissipates. You have a purpose in your existence you never knew before. You experience a love that fills your heart and soul, whereas before you trusted in Him, all you knew is brokenness and rejection. You feel accepted, loved, cared for for the first time in your life. It doesn’t mean you weren’t feeling loved before or were devoid of it, but no love on this earth between humans can compare to the love and closeness of God Himself. Nothing.
Humans can only love with broken love because humans are all broken, imperfect people. When you are made a child of God, you are perfectly loved by a perfect God and He fills every single void you have in your heart and spirit. It is incredible what happens when you become a child of God.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blamebefore him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory. (Ephesians 1:3-14)
Reading this truth for children of God, one can’t help but be filled with joy as they set their heart on these spiritual truths from above. For those who inherit salvation, depression vanishes as you start a new life as a child of God. You realize that your time on earth is short, and you are destined for Heaven for all eternity. Things on this earth no longer matter, so your depression lifts. When someone is depressed, it’s because the things in this physical realm matter too much and things of this world were never supposed to take precedence over God in our lives. You realize that you have abundant purpose. That this beautiful, glorious God created you, your personality, your eyes, your nose, every detail of your body inside and out. You realize that God has loved you before you were ever conceived in your mother’s womb, that you are not a mistake and you didn’t appear here by random chance, and He has set out to save you in an extravagant way by enduring torture and dying on the cross for you, shedding his blood for you.
When you realize these very special truths, your heart lights up and depression is gone. Because you are filled. You are filled with the presence of God by His Holy Spirit.
It doesn’t mean that a born-again believer will not walk through rough times: dry times, testing times, disparaging times, or even bouts or seasons of depression. Even the people of God in scripture went through times of depression, including a man after God’s own heart, King David Himself. But that depression is a different kind of depression, and is not lasting and only for a season as God works in your life.
“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God? When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy waterspouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me. Yet the Lord will command his lovingkindness in the daytime, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer unto the God of my life. I will say unto God my rock, Why hast thou forgotten me? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily unto me, Where is thy God? Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.” (Psalm 42)
This Psalm written by David speaks multitudes regarding depression and how to handle it for a believer. David was so obviously depressed in this Psalm, as he writes, “my tears have been my meat day and night”. As we can see, David was not immune to times of depression either, but his own resolution is what we are to do with that depression. As we read on in Psalm 42, we can see how this man after God’s own heart deals with his hopelessness and sadness: “Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
As King David teaches us, there is nothing wrong with crying and feeling depressed or times of despair and hopelessness. They will come. Even for a child of God. And we must walk through it, no matter the difficulty. What God puts in our path or allows in our life is always to grow us, refine us, teach us, sanctify us, and prepare us for glory.
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:17-18)
However, in the sufferings we experience, we are to take these feelings and bring them to God and even through the despair. We are to hope in Him, recognizing that He is taking care of us even through the storm we may face. King David, though saddened, was hopeful at the end of this Psalm because he set his eyes on the only one who can give our hearts hope: God.
By personal experience, I can notice my own feelings and times I may feel sad or hopeless in a moment or in a season in my walk with God, and they are always times when I am most distant from Him. Of course, if you are born-again, you are never distant from Him but sometimes He may make Himself “seem” distant in order to teach us what David learned, and that is to set our eyes on Him, continue to have faith in Him, and hope in Him during these stormy seasons. As we seek Him and set our hearts on things above, our depression lifts. When we focus on things of the earth, we are bound to get depressed, sad, or feel despair because there is no hope on this earth but only in God alone. David was depressed because he was focused on his earthly trials and the mountains he had to face. The moment he set his eyes on God in heaven, hope and encouragement filled his heart. This is true for all believers.
If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:1-4)
God does put His children through the fire of testing, that we may be refined and sanctified. It hurts during the process, but the outcome is so precious in God’s eyes. He burns away things that are not meant to stay, and what’s revealed is true fruit. I’ve experienced this in my walk with God.
Who (believers) are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. (1 Peter 1: 5-9)
There can be much superficial advice regarding depression that may work for a moment, but if you do not have a reconciled relationship with God, depression will always come back and will never leave, nor will your suffering be used for your ultimate good – truths that believers can hold onto.
And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:28)
It is imperative to spend your one life on this earth to know the God who created you. Denying Him will not only have detrimental effects in this world, keeping you purposeless, and with no hope, but if one does not trust in Christ, the suffering will also be in the world to come.
And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28).
Trust in Christ to receive salvation, purpose, love, joy, acceptance, car, protection, security, and everything you could ever possibly need. Without Him, there is no hope for the human soul.
God created the heavens and the earth, the creation account is found in the very first verse in our Bibles (Genesis 1:1). The LORD wanted to be certain that we would understand this right at the offset. Bearing this in mind among those who believe in God’s word (Christians), we would agree that only the Almighty God created everything. As it relates to Jesus Christ let us see what the Bible has to say in regards to creation.
We establish from the beginning that it’s a prayer to God in worship. Going down we read in (v25)“Of old hast thou laid the foundation of the earth: and the heavens [are] the work of thy hands” God created the earth and heavens just as we see in (Genesis 1:1).
David then tells us that God is unchanging or immutable (v26) and he compares that attribute of the Almighty God to creation itself “They shall perish, but thou shalt endure: yea, all of them shall wax old like a garment; as a vesture shalt thou change them, and they shall be changed:” God outlives all of His creation for He alone is eternal.
The man after God’s own heart David once again lets us know the LORD remains forever the same (v27)“But thou [art] the same, and thy years shall have no end”.
Continuing on (v11) states “They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;” as we can see Jesus Christ remains while creation will wax old or decay. This speaks once again of the unchanging or immutable Almighty God we serve.
We then finish up with (v12)“And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.” The Lord Jesus Christ is the Almighty God just as the scripture say in Hebrews 13:8“Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever”.
As Christians, our goal in life is to become less and less and have the fragrance of Christ exude from us more and more. It’s not about us, it’s about Him. We’re to walk in this world viewing it with the mind of Christ; we are not to view Christ from the standpoint of the world. As we grow in our faith and abide in Him, He will become greater in us and we will exude Jesus more. Our time on earth is extremely short, and it’s easy to get caught up in selfishness and comfort. But when we get back to perspective and realize that we really only have a few short years on this earth, and those years are meant to spent living for God, loving and serving and following Him, it makes helps us not think about ourselves so much.
He must increase, but I must decrease. (John 3:30).
Before we come to Christ, our lives are centered on ourselves – our needs, our desires, our comforts. And we tend to more often than not put ourselves first. However, when a person trusts in Christ and gives their entire life to Him, that person is made new by the power of the Holy Spirit. Through regeneration, our hearts, our minds, our spirits are transformed. We are not working to be close to God and be different than we used to be, instead we now have God permanently indwelling us and He’s the one who makes us different. Thus begins a life of transformation, from the inside out. Where we were once selfish, we become selfless. Where we once put ourselves first, we put Christ first. And when we put Christ first, we put others first.
Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets. (Matthew 22:37-40)
Slowly but steadily, the dry and wretched things of this world come off of us as we are renewed by the Spirit of God daily. As we have our eyes look on Him, our eyes are looking toward ourselves less. Our hearts focus upward to God, and less inward to ourselves.
This is the purpose of human existence. For, God is the One who created you, and He created you for a reason. And that reason isn’t to make yourself greater, but to glorify God and to make Him greater in this world. You were not created to live for yourself; you were created to know God and be known by God, and live for Him.
How does one live for Him? By trusting in what Jesus Christ did on the cross, (that He shed His blood for your sins), being forgiven of your sins, being justified of your debt that you owed God, and regenerated by His Holy Spirit. Without His Spirit, you will be striving your whole life to please God in vain, because unless you are covered by His blood, there is no forgiveness. All you need to to is put your faith in Him, and you will be made new and clean, from the very depth of your soul.
For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (Romans 8:29-30)
Through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins. (Acts 10:43b)
Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Romans 3:25)
Trust in the Lord of lords and King of kings and fulfill your soul’s purpose. ❤
This wintery season, walking in the woods, I have been fascinated and awe-struck by the LORD’S beauty and glory.
How can we deny His existence, looking at beauty like this? The power, might, beauty, and intelligence of God is on every detail of this scene. Walking through this magnificence, my heart was so full and enlarged because I couldn’t take my mind off Him. I can’t help but think about God in His glory and majesty when I see all of this beauty.
The birds chirping, the snow falling, every single little branch covered in powder white gleaming ice crystals, the crisp fresh air, the chipmunks and squirrels – only a Creator could be responsible for this.
Sometimes, we can be so quick to think that if we don’t see God Himself standing right before us, that logically, it means He’s not real. I would like to humbly challenge that logic!
Here’s some thought to offer: say you’re walking somewhere in a bushed area one snowy evening and you come across a snowman. I’m guessing that there’s not a doubt in your mind it was created by someone, right? That someone took the time, the effort, the skill, the creativity and the work to create the snowman. There’s no way it could have just appeared there by chance: three big snowballs, large on the bottom, medium on top of that, and a smaller one as the head, dressed in some eyes, a carrot nose, and a smile. It’s logic to believe someone made this snowman, right?
Okay, now what about you?
Yes…you! A beautifully designed human being, with intricate complexities that are unique and remarkable, made in the image of God. Eyes, a nose, mouth, and so much more it would take all of existence to thoroughly study and understand everything that makes up the human being.
Why is a snowman so obviously created by a higher intelligence, yet you, which is so much more complex and beautiful than an inanimate snowman, yet you were not created, but formed by random chance?
Here’s another thought: let’s go back to the snowman. When you came across this snowman one snowy evening in the bushed area, there was not another soul anywhere to be seen. You and this snowman were alone. You couldn’t see who created it.
But the snowman was still created, right? Even if you can’t see who created it, and you most likely never will in your lifetime? The person who created the snowman is indeed real and not some figment of your imagination?
You can’t see God, but it doesn’t mean He isn’t real or that you haven’t been purposefully and carefully created with love by another Being of much greater power and intelligence than we could fathom.
And this God isn’t just some impersonal being that created you. He’s a God who created you with purpose and love, a God that loved you so much for you that He died on the cross for your sins, that if you trust in Him, you’ll have eternal life. And then, you’ll see Him.♥️
I hope that this helped to understand that it is indeed logical to believe in a God who created us, just as in the same way it is logical to believe that a snowman didn’t just appear, but was created as well! How amazing that a loving God would think us up in His mind full of wisdom, and create us with so much love and care.
Psalm 19
The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun,
Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.
His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.
The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
Who can understand his errors? cleanse thou me from secret faults.
Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me: then shall I be upright, and I shall be innocent from the great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer.
Psalm 139
O lord, thou hast searched me, and known me.
Thou knowest my downsitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off.
Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word in my tongue, but, lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether.
Thou hast beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain unto it.
7 Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence?
If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there: if I make my bed in hell, behold, thou art there.
If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea;
Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me.
If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me; even the night shall be light about me.
Yea, the darkness hideth not from thee; but the night shineth as the day: the darkness and the light are both alike to thee.
For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them.
How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee.
Surely thou wilt slay the wicked, O God: depart from me therefore, ye bloody men.
For they speak against thee wickedly, and thine enemies take thy name in vain.
Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?
I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts:
And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.
All cults (Christadelphians, Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, Baháʼí, Hare Krishna, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam) reject Jesus Christ is God, the Bible calls them antichrist (1 John 2:18, 22, 1 John 4:3, 2 John 1:7). According to the Watchtower they believe that ‘Jehovah’ is Almighty God and Jesus Christ was the first being created by ‘Jehovah’. In-fact Jehovah Witnesses are taught from the Watchtower to believe Jesus is Michael the archangel. The following is a statement from their FAQ in regards to who Jesus is.
Yes. We believe in Jesus, who said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) We have faith that Jesus came to earth from heaven and gave his perfect human life as a ransom sacrifice. (Matthew 20:28) His death and resurrection make it possible for those exercising faith in him to gain everlasting life. (John 3:16) We also believe that Jesus is now ruling as King of God’s heavenly Kingdom, which will soon bring peace to the entire earth. (Revelation 11:15) However, we take Jesus at his word when he said: “The Father is greater than I am.” (John 14:28) So we do not worship Jesus, as we do not believe that he is Almighty God. – Watchtower
What does the Bible really teach about Jesus?
The Bible teaches that God alone is the creator, an angel doesn’t have the power God alone possesses because God created the angels also. When you examine the Jehovah Witnesses theology you’ll see how there are many problems.
1 They say Jesus was created by Jehovah and through Jesus Jehovah made everything else. If that were so then why does God tell us otherwise?
Reading carefully we see that Isaiah 44:24 says that God created the heavens and earth by Himself. This proves that God didn’t use an “agent” to create “all other things” as the Watchtower teaches. Yet we see that Jesus created all things in the book of John chapter 1 reads (speaking of Jesus Christ).
The verse in John says “and without him was not any thing made that was made”. Nothing was made without Jesus Christ making it. Therefore, the Jehovah Witnesses have a contradiction because they say Jesus Christ is not God yet they say Jesus helped God in creation. But clearly the Bible says only God created all things alone.
Read it and make the decision for yourself who you think is correct, the Watchtower or God’s Word the Bible. Jehovah Witnesses do not believe in Jesus at least not the Jesus Christ of the Bible.
We truly live in an age full of lies and deceptions, the father of lies (John 8:44) loves to disseminate falsehoods when it comes to the God we worship and praise. One of the worlds largest cults the Jehovah Witnesses also known as the Watchtower has put out their latest Watchtower magazine No. 1 2020.
The Watchtower magazine is the premier way Jehovah Witnesses derive their doctrine, while they will tell you they get their teachings from the Bible; do not be deceived JW’s are told no one can understand the Bible on it’s own without “the faithful and discreet slave” in other words the governing body telling them how to interpret the Bible. According to the Watchtower here’s a quote as to how we are to understand the Bible.
As you can see the Watchtower places themselves in a position as to control its members saying they cannot understand the Bible alone. This claim is false the word of God tells us directly as believers to prove all things (1 Thessalonians 5:21). We are to try the spirits because many false prophets have gone out into the world (1 John 4:1), and to study to show ourselves approved (2 Timothy 2:15).
Yet the Watchtower says no one can know God’s word outside of their organization. The true marks of a cult indeed! The purpose of this article is to try or test the so called “truth” of the Watchtower.
The Search for Truth
The Watchtower opens up with the following statement. “Knowing the truth can be a matter of life and death. For example, consider how our lives have been affected by the answer to the following question, How do infectious diseases spread?”.
We can wholly agree that “Knowing the truth can be a matter of life and death” in fact we would go a step further in saying “Knowing the truth IS a matter of life and death”. This is why we go out in love to share the truth of God’s word with Jehovah Witnesses because they’ve been misled by the Watchtower, believing Jesus is not God is a serious salvific problem. Jehovah Witnesses have been taught Jesus is not God but is Michael the arc-angel.
God’s word says otherwise, the word of God says the Lord Jesus is God manifest in the flesh (1 Timothy 3:16), that He didn’t take on the nature of angels (Hebrews 2:16). Michael the arc-angel didn’t dare bring any accusation against satan in his own authority (Jude 1:9). In contrast Jesus Christ did rebuke satan many times one of those being the temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 16:23, Mark 8:33, Luke 4:8). Therefore, Jesus and Michael cannot be the same person.
The Watchtower continues on to say “For thousands of years, no one really knew the answer to that question. Meanwhile, plagues and epidemics took millions of lives. Eventually, scientists learned the truth. They discovered that diseases were often caused by germs—microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses. Finding out that one truth has helped people prevent and treat many diseases, which has led to billions of people living longer and healthier lives”.
It saddens Christians to see how Jehovah Witnesses cannot see they themselves have a huge epidemic, a disease caused by the Watchtower germ. It’s causing them to remain in their sins because they trusted in a false Jesus which cannot save. The Apostle Paul warned us about believing in a false Jesus (2 Corinthians 11:4).
The Watchtower then said this statement “You may wonder, ‘How is it possible to find out the truth about anything?’ After all, finding out the truth about many things seems to be getting more and more difficult. Why?”
The reason why “finding out the truth” seems difficult to the Watchtower is thats cults like them cloud people’s minds with lies and deceit. They place a barrier between individuals and God. It’s a futile attempt as God can still reach these individuals and have been as we see more people waking up to the Watchtower’s lies.
This next statement shows how the Watchtower isolates an individual by telling them not to look at other information. They instil fear and do not allow their members to think for themselves. This is what they said:
“Many people do not trust governments, businesses, or the media to tell them the truth. They find it difficult to distinguish facts from opinions, half-truths, and outright lies that are presented as reliable information. In this climate of distrust and misinformation, people disagree not only on how to interpret the facts but also on what the actual facts are.” – Watchtower
We see how the Watchtower inserts themselves as the only ones capable of distinguishing “facts from opinions” they strip people of independent thinking. Look at the following quote from them which says.
Notice the Watchtower is saying that “independent thinking is from satan” this is how they trap and indoctrinate those who fall victim to the lies of the Watchtower. They then give an analogy for the search for truth presenting us with a little scenario in which a lady names Jessica makes certain to protect herself from food allergies. This is what they said:
Consider Jessica’s situation. “My daughter’s peanut allergy is so severe,” she says, “that even a trace amount of peanut protein can be fatal.” Jessica needs to know that the food she buys will be safe for her daughter. “My first step is to read food labels carefully to check the ingredients. Then I do further research and even contact the manufacturer to confirm that there is no risk of cross contamination. I also consider other reliable sources that can vouch for the company’s reputation for following safe food practices.”
Your daily search for truth may not be as critical as Jessica’s, but like Jessica, you may use the following approach to find answers to questions you have:
They then list the ways in which to find truth, the Watchtower says “Get the facts. Do additional research. Make sure your sources are credible.” How deceitful because Jehovah Witnesses are only allowed to find “facts” and “research” only within Watchtower sources.
The Truth About God and Christ
This next section is from the magazine on their views about God and Christ, we’ll answer what the Watchtower puts forth with the Bible to see how well holds up against God’s word. Understanding that only the true Jesus Christ of the Bible can save the sinner from going to hell for all eternity, keeping that in mind let’s see if the Watchtower believes in the true Christ.
The article starts with a few Bible verses namely John 17:3, Daniel 7:18, Revelation 4:11. Then they give this statement “Although humans worship many gods, there is only one true God. He is “the Supreme One,” the Creator of everything and the Source of all life”.
Let’s see what those verses say that we can understand the meaning of the text. John 17:3 says:
John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.
The Jehovah Witnesses believe because the text says “…that they might know thee the only true God,…” they take this to mean “only the Father is God Almighty” Christians can partly agree with this because we indeed believe the Father is God Almighty, but does that mean the Son (Jesus Christ) is not? No. That’s not what the text is saying, let’s read it again.
It reads “And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.” notice the text is saying both the Father is God AND the Son is God. How you might ask? It’s because Jesus Christ shares the same nature as the Father, we do not believe in 2 separate God’s like the Jehovah Witnesses do. The JW’s believe in a big God who is more powerful and a lesser god Jesus.
Is that what the Bible teaches a bigger and lesser god? Here’s what the Bible says in speaking about Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John says:
John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.
We see that the Word (another name for Jesus before the incarnation) always existed in eternal fellowship with the Father therefore, He’s not “created”. The text says the Word is God in the Greek it says “and God was the Word” and lastly it says “all things were made by him” Jesus made all things and we know only God made all things this proves Jesus Christ is God Almighty just as much as the Father is God Almighty.
Paul the apostle wrote in the book of Colossians proving the Lord Jesus Christ deity saying.
Colossians 1:15-17 Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
Again we have text which says “all things were created” by Jesus Christ. The Watchtower takes this same text and adds the word “other” thereby changing the meaning of the text. See post Here’s Why You Can’t Trust The New World Translation.
We see a consistent theme in regards to Jesus Christ creating all things. Both the Father and the Son (Jesus) are equal this is why we read Jesus is equal to the Father (John 5:18, Philippians 2:6).
They also quoted Revelation 4:11 in trying to say only God the Father should be worshipped. Is Jesus Christ worshipped the same as the Father? Let’s find out. In that same book we have an account in which all of creation joins in worship to God.
Revelation 7:9-12 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb. And all the angels stood round about the throne, and [about] the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God, Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
Here we have universal worship of God we have angels and a multitude of people from all nations standing before the throne AND before the Lamb (Jesus Christ) and what did they say? It says all the angels, elders, 4 beast and people fell down before the throne on their faces worshipping God saying “Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, [be] unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.”
No created creature ever will receive the worship which is displayed here, this worship is only reserved for God Almighty and it says they worshipped the Lamb (Jesus Christ).
The apostle Thomas also worshipped Jesus saying “my Lord and my God” after seeing the prints of the nails in the hands and feet of the Lord Jesus Christ (John 20:28). When Jesus Christ was born the wise men came to worship Him and brought Him gifts (Matthew 2:11). A leper who wanted to be healed from his leprosy worshipped Jesus (Matthew 8:2). A certain ruler came and worshipped Jesus Christ asking Him to raise his daughter from the dead (Matthew 9:18).
When Jesus was walking on water Peter asked to join Him, when Peter began to sink the Lord saved him they came back into the boat and they all worshipped Him (Matthew 14:33). A woman from Canaan came asking to deliver her daughter from a devil and the lady worshipped Him (Matthew 15:25). There’s many more but I think you get the point Jesus Christ is worshipped the same as the Father and to prove that here’s a verse.
John 5:23 That all [men] should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.
The Watchtower then says that the true personal name of God is JEHOVAH. This is their little niche, they say only true Christians use the name “JEHOVAH”. They say: “God’s name appears in the original text SOME 7,000 TIMES. JEHOVAH is God’s name. LORD, GOD, FATHER—Some of Jehovah’s titles”.
Where did the name “JEHOVAH” come from? The name comes from the Tetragrammaton. It’s a Latinized mispronunciation of the Hebrew name, resulting from combining the consonants of the name, YHWH and Adonai meaning Lord. YHWH + Adonai
Removing “d”, “n”, “i” from Adonai which leaves “A o a” they took this and inserted these letters between YHWH. When done you get YaHoWaH In Hebrew the “Y” when rendered into Greek has a “J” sound becoming “Jahovah” or Jehovah. Certainly this cannot be God’s name. God actually gives us His name in the book of Exodus.
Moses asked God what’s His name and God said:
Exodus 3:13-14 And Moses said unto God, Behold, [when] I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What [is] his name? what shall I say unto them? And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.
Then God said: Exodus 3:15 …this [is] my name for ever, and this [is] my memorial unto all generations. Jehovah is not God’s name and the Watchtower is very mistaken by thinking it is.
In this latest Watchtower magazine they state: “What Is God’s Name? God himself says: “I am Jehovah. That is my name.” (Isaiah 42:8) The personal name of God appears some 7,000 times in the Bible. However, many Bible translations improperly substitute this name with a title, such as “Lord.” God wants you to be his friend, so he encourages you to “call on his name.”—Psalm 105:1.” – Watchtower
Notice how the Jehovah Witnesses say “The personal name of God” but as we just saw the name Jehovah is an invention from man. Additionally, the Watchtower took the text in Isaiah 42:8 and added the name Jehovah. This is how the text actually reads.
Isaiah 42:8 I [am] the LORD: that [is] my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.
Not Jehovah but LORD, the Watchtower inserted that name in there to lead their members to believe the Bible they have (New World Translation) is the “most accurate”See postWhere the name Jehovah come from?
The Watchtower cites Psalm 105:1 saying “However, many Bible translations improperly substitute this name with a title, such as “Lord.” God wants you to be his friend, so he encourages you to “call on his name.”—Psalm 105:1.”
The Septuagint is the Hebrew scriptures which were translated into Greek for Jews who were living in other parts. The Greek language was the common language. The Hebrew scribes took the name Yahweh the name for God and translated it to κύριος (kŷros) which is LORD in reference to God in the Greek.
Paul the apostle took this word κύριος which is in reference to God Almighty and applied it to Jesus.
1 Corinthians 1:2 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:
Notice it says “called [to be] saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord”. This is not a contradiction because Jesus Christ is the Lord (Philippians 2:11)
Psalm 105:1 O give thanks unto the LORD; call upon his name: make known his deeds among the people.
The Watchtower says “God’s Form. God is an invisible spirit. (John 4:24) The Bible confirms that “no man has seen God.” (John 1:18)” We agree that “no man has seen God” but there’s a problem with Watchtower theology. According to Watchtower theology no one has seen God at anytime, the problem is there were many people who did see God.
Abraham saw God Genesis 18:1 And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
Isaac saw God Genesis 26:1-2 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of:
Jacob saw God Genesis 32:30 And Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.
Sarah saw God Genesis 21:1 And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
Hagar saw God Genesis 16:13 And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
Moses saw God Exodus 33:17-23 And the LORD said unto Moses, I will do this thing also that thou hast spoken: for thou hast found grace in my sight, and I know thee by name. And he said, I beseech thee, shew me thy glory. And he said, I will make all my goodness pass before thee, and I will proclaim the name of the LORD before thee; and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy. And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live. And the LORD said, Behold, [there is] a place by me, and thou shalt stand upon a rock: And it shall come to pass, while my glory passeth by, that I will put thee in a clift of the rock, and will cover thee with my hand while I pass by: And I will take away mine hand, and thou shalt see my back parts: but my face shall not be seen.
Joshua saw God Joshua 5:13-15 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, there stood a man over against him with his sword drawn in his hand: and Joshua went unto him, and said unto him, [Art] thou for us, or for our adversaries? And he said, Nay; but [as] captain of the host of the LORD am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my lord unto his servant? And the captain of the LORD’S host said unto Joshua, Loose thy shoe from off thy foot; for the place whereon thou standest [is] holy. And Joshua did so.
We have all these accounts in which people saw God, how does the Jehovah Witness reconcile this? As Christians we know that no man has seen God the Father but all of the people mentioned did in fact see God Almighty. God Himself says He appeared.
Exodus 6:3 And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by [the name of] God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
Who did they see then? I’ll tell you who they saw they saw the Lord Jesus Christ as God Almighty. This is why we know there’s no contradictions in God’s word. The Watchtower has many contradictions in saying Jesus is not God, the moment they took that position they lost all credibility in the Old Testament scriptures as well as the New Testament.
What Is the Difference Between God and Christ?
The claim of the Watchtower is that Jesus is not God, they think of Jesus as being created by God and that He’s really Michael the arc-angel.
Jesus Is Not God. Jesus is unique—he is the only person created directly by God. That is why the Bible calls him God’s Son. (John 1:14) After creating Jesus, Jehovah used his firstborn as “a master worker” to create everything and everyone else.—Proverbs 8:30, 31; Colossians 1:15, 16. – Watchtower
As we saw earlier Jesus is called the Word and the Word is God (John 1:1). Jesus created all things (Colossians 1:15-17). Jesus Christ is called God by God the Father (Hebrews 1:8) and in that same chapter it says Jesus created the heavens and the earth and both the heavens and the earth will perish but Jesus Christ will stay the same as the eternal God (Hebrews 1:10-12). In Revelation it calls Jesus the Almighty God (Revelation 1:8, 11).
Watchtower says: “Jesus Christ never claimed to be God. Instead, he explained: “I am a representative from [God], and that One sent me.” (John 7:29) When speaking to one of his disciples, Jesus called Jehovah “my Father and your Father” and “my God and your God.” (John 20:17) After Jesus died, Jehovah resurrected him to life in heaven and gave him great authority at His right hand.—Matthew 28:18; Acts 2:32, 33.”
They try to cite verses which make it seem as though Jesus is not God but let’s explain the passages.
John 20:17 Jesus saith unto her, Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father: but go to my brethren, and say unto them, I ascend unto my Father, and your Father; and [to] my God, and your God.
Jesus Christ is going to call the Father God I mean what else would He call His Father? We know that there’s only one true God and all three (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) are called God.
God the Father (John 6:27, 1 Corinthians 8:6, Galatians 1:1, 3, Ephesians 6:23, Philippians 2:11, 1 Thessalonians 1:1, 2 Timothy 1:2, Titus 1:4, 1 Peter 1:2, 2 Peter 1:17, 2 John 1:3, Jude 1:1)
Jesus Christ called God not only does the New Testament give direct evidence that Jesus is God, it also provides indirect evidence. There are many indirect references that could be cited. Some of these include. According to Scripture, Jesus possessed certain attributes that belong to God alone. Jesus Is All-Knowing (Luke 6:8). Jesus was able to tell the Samaritan woman her past history without having previously met her (John 4:18). She later said: John 4:29 Come, see a man, which told me all things that ever I did: is not this the Christ?
The disciples of Jesus recognized this fact (John 16:30). He knew how many times Peter denied Him (John 21:17). The apostles said Jesus knows the hearts of all men (Acts 1:24). He demonstrated knowledge about things that only someone all knowing could know such as the future (Matthew 16:21).
Jesus Is Everywhere Present Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. He’s with us till the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). Jesus fills everything (Ephesians 1:23, Ephesians 4:10, Colossians 3:11).
Jesus’ Nature Is Unchangeable Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.Jesus Has Life In Himself John 1:4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. He’s the Life (John 14:6).
Jesus Is All-Powerful Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Jesus Has Existed For All Eternity (John 1:1). Jesus Christ shares the same glory with the Father (John 17:5).
John the Baptist was born before Jesus yet John testified that Jesus existed before him (John 1:15, John 1:30). The Testimony Of The Writer To The Hebrews Jesus made the worlds (Hebrews 1:2). Isaiah saw Jesus’ glory (John 12:41) The reference to Isaiah seeing the glory of Jesus is found in Isaiah 6:1-3.
Jesus Is A Member Of The Trinity Psalm 90:2 Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou [art] God.Jesus Is Equal To God In His NamesJesus Is The I Am (Exodus 3:14, John 8:56, 58-59).
Jesus Is Lord The God of the Bible is called the LORD in the Old Testament (Exodus 6:1-2). Jesus is also addressed as LORD (Acts 2:36, 1 Corinthians 12:3).
Jesus Is The Lord Of Lords The God of the Old Testament is called LORD OF LORDS (Deuteronomy 10:17). Jesus is the LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 17:14). Jesus Is The Shepherd (Psalm 23:1) Jesus is the good shepherd (John 10:14-15).
Jesus Is The Alpha And Omega and God alone is the Alpha and Omega (Revelation 1:8). Jesus said: Revelation 22:12-13 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward [is] with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
Jesus Is Immanuel: God With Us (Matthew 1:22-23). Jesus Has A Unique Relationship With God The Father (John 8:49). Jesus Is Put On An Equal Level With God (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14).
Jesus Has A Heavenly Origin Hebrews 7:3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually. (John 3:31, John 6:38).
Jesus Allowed Himself To Be Worshipped The God who reveals Himself in the Bible has made it clear that He is the only One deserving worship. In the Ten Commandments: (Exodus 20:3). When satan wanted Jesus to worship him, Jesus refused by saying: “Matthew 4:10 …Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve”.
Jesus Was Worshipped By The People (Matthew 28:9, John 9:38, John 5:23). The Angels Were Commanded To Worship Jesus (Hebrews 1:5-6). All Creation Is To Worship Jesus (Revelation 5:13). Jesus Was Addressed In Prayer The Apostles asked Jesus who should replace Judas (Acts 1:24-26). Stephen, the first recorded martyr of the church, prayed to Jesus as he was being killed (Acts 7:59, 60).
Jesus Forgave Sins (Luke 7:48) On another occasion he said to a paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven you” (Mark 2:5). Only God can forgive sins (Isaiah 43:25). Jesus Will Judge The World (Psalm 96:12-13) Jesus claimed that He would judge the world (John 5:22, Acts 17:31).
Jesus Is The Creator John 1:3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. Not one thing has been created apart from Him. The Apostle Paul also testified to Jesus being the Creator (Colossians 1:16). Jesus Sustains All Things (Colossians 1:17, Hebrews 1:3).
Jesus Is The Ruler Over All Things Colossians 2:10 And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power: Jesus Will Raise The Dead (John 5:28,29, Philippians 3:21, 2 Timothy 4:1). Jesus Gives Spiritual Life To Believers John 5:21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth [them]; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.
Jesus Will Give Eternal Life To Believers John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand (John 17:2).
Jesus Will Bring About The Renewal Of The Heavens And The Earth Scripture says that Jesus, the Creator, will renew the heavens and earth (Hebrews 1:10-12, Matthew 19:28).
Everyone Will Confess That Jesus Is Lord (Philippians 2:9-12) The fact that everything in the universe will confess Jesus is Lord (Yahweh, or Jehovah) proves that He indeed is almighty God. He Has The Same Nature As God (Philippians 2:6, Hebrews 1:3).
The conclusion to the Watchtower Magazine №1 2020
Our conclusion is the Watchtower magazine is rubbish, it’s quite evident that the Jehovah Witnesses are a cult. They won’t let you think for yourself, you must only listen to the governing body, you can’t do research outside of Watchtower sources. And the biggest thing is they deny the Lord Jesus Christ deity which is leading 9 million Jehovah Witnesses world wide to hell.
This is not a cheap shot at the Jehovah Witnesses themselves as they are just people who have been deceived by a small group of wicked men. We are against the Watchtower organization for putting out lies and deception. We hope that if you are a Jehovah Witness that you’ll look into the evidence for yourself, your eternity depends upon it.
In this article we’ll take a look at how God has the ability to see what no one else can. If you’ve ever asked someone if they’re living a life for God you may hear this phrase “God knows my heart”. And He sure does know our heart, He created us and knows every last detail concerning His creation. See previous postJesus Christ is God (Galatians Chapter 1)
If only God knows a persons heart, then what does the scriptures say concerning the Lord Jesus Christ; does Jesus have the ability to know our heart? That’s what we’re going to establish looking at the text of scripture.
The Psalmist David wrote that God tries our hearts, God knows our motives and with His divine eyes can see right into our hearts.
Psalm 7:9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God trieth the hearts and reins.
The Psalmist goes unto say in Psalm 26 “Examine me”, just like an x-ray the LORD knows the inner dwellings of your heart.
Psalm 26:2 Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart.
The prophet Jeremiah proclaimed the LORD will judge righteously and will test or try the reins of our heart.
Jeremiah 11:20 But, O LORD of hosts, that judgest righteously, that triest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I revealed my cause.
Again Jeremiah tells us the LORD searches the hearts of men but not only will He search our heart, He will also give us according to our ways. This means God knows if a person is wicked and not saved. If that person dies without salvation the LORD will give the individual what they deserve which is eternal judgement in the lake of fire.
Jeremiah 17:10 I the LORD search the heart, [I] try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, [and] according to the fruit of his doings.
The LORD will try every man and woman there’s nothing that’s hidden from God He sees it all.
Jeremiah 20:12 But, O LORD of hosts, that triest the righteous, [and] seest the reins and the heart, let me see thy vengeance on them: for unto thee have I opened my cause.
The last verse is from the apostle John here the context is speaking of Jesus Christ and the second coming of Christ. Jesus says “I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts:”. Wait hold on one minute, we read that only God can “search the reins and hearts” and now we see that the Lord Jesus can do the same.
Revelation 2:23 And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth the reins and hearts: and I will give unto every one of you according to your works.
We are forced to believe the only logical conclusion is that Jesus Christ is God. No one else besides God can see into the heart of man. There you have it Jesus Christ is God because He can do the same as the Father. And if you haven’t trusted Christ for salvation do so now. Because tomorrow is not guaranteed. One day Jesus Christ is going to search your heart and if you’re found outside of Christ then hell awaits. Therefore give your life to Jesus Christ today and you’ll be given eternal life.
Galatians 1:1 Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)
Paul the apostle starts his letter to the saints at Galatia saying he became an apostle not by being appointed by any man, but by Jesus Christ. This shows that the Lord Jesus Christ is not a mere man solidifying His deity. Paul doesn’t stop there as he places Jesus on the same level as God the Father saying “…by Jesus Christ, and God the Father…”.
Galatians 1:2-3 And all the brethren which are with me, unto the churches of Galatia: Grace [be] to you and peace from God the Father, and [from] our Lord Jesus Christ,
Paul gives his greeting to all the churches (plural) in Galatia, which then has the Gospel call saying “…Grace [be] to you and peace from God the Father, and [from] our Lord Jesus Christ”. The Gospel message is the free gift of salvation by God’s “grace” and through that wonderful gift we have “peace” with God.
Galatians 1:4 Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father:
The Gospel message continues as Paul reminds us what the Lord Jesus did giving Himself for our sins on the cross “Who gave himself for our sins”, thereby delivering us or redeeming us by His own blood.
Galatians 1:5 To whom [be] glory for ever and ever. Amen.
Our eternal gratitude and thanksgiving for the gift none of us deserve, we give Jesus Christ all the glory and praise for ever and ever.
Galatians 1:6-9 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.
There is only one true gospel message, any other message which deviates from that which the apostles and Christ Himself preached is not a gospel message at all; but a perverse gospel message which cannot save. Paul then tells us that anyone one preaches a different gospel is cursed or damned.
Galatians 1:10 For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.
Paul brings up an important question to the believers at Galatia, is Paul preaching to please man or God? If he’s trying to please man then he wouldn’t be a servant of Christ.
Galatians 1:11-12 But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught [it], but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
Another enormous statement by Paul he testifies that he didn’t receive the gospel by man neither was he taught by man, he received the gospel by Jesus Christ Himself. Paul then runs down his accomplishments in the Jews religion Judaism (Galatians 1:13-14). Paul was not bragging but he was just showing that if he were to boast he has much to boast of concerning who he once was among the Jewish rulers.
Galatians 1:15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called [me] by his grace,
We’re told by the apostle that it was by God’s grace Paul was born and called to be an apostle. This next verse is key, read it carefully.
Galatians 1:16 To reveal his Son in me, that I might preach him among the heathen; immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood:
Notice that Paul says “To reveal his Son in me” he’s speaking of Jesus Christ being in Paul. In other epistles we also are told the Holy Spirit resides in believers; here we have Paul saying Christ Jesus is in believers.
Paul then tells the believers about how he stayed with the apostle Peter when he went to Jerusalem and also met James the Lord’s brother. He also reminds them that he (Paul) once persecuted the church (Galatians 1:17-23).
Now the next verse can be used interchangeably with (v16) in proving the Lord Jesus Christ is God if the verses before these haven’t convinced you as of yet.
Galatians 1:24 And they glorified God in me.
An amazing verse! Paul is telling us that the believers praised the fact that God was in Paul notice “And they glorified God in me.” together with “To reveal his Son in me”. My friend if you want the truth about Jesus Christ here it is unless you’ve made up your mind and have convinced yourself that no amount of truth will change your mind.
There are faiths in the world which adhere to “keeping the Law”, exactly what does that mean? When asked the question do you keep the Law, the individual is asking do you keep the Law of Moses which was given at Mt. Sinai. You can find details to this in the book of Exodus chapter 20 in which God gives the children of Israel commandments to observe.
It’s worth mentioning that while most recognise this as “The Ten Commandments” in actuality there are 613 commandments God gave at Mt. Sinai, the Ten Commandments are a condensed version of all the 613 commandments.
An important question to ask is are Christians are required to keep the Law? To clear up any confusion in regards to the topic at hand, I will be straight forward in saying, New Testament Christians we are not required to “keep the Law” allow me to explain.
The Purpose Of The Law
Believers do not disregard the Law as “not important” the Law is important and serves its purposes. For instance the Law is Holy and good (Romans 7:12) it shows forth God’s moral character of perfection. The God we serve is a thrice Holy God (Isaiah 6:3). The first 5 commandments gives us clear understanding of who God is and our relationship to God Himself (Exodus 20:3-11). The remaining 5 addresses our relationship with our fellow man (Exodus 20:12-17).
Another purpose the Law serves is to show us our sin, like a mirror it reflects ourselves back at us. God commands us to never lie and we can all agree that we’ve all lied at some time in our lives. If we had to think about how many lies we’ve told during the course of our lives it would be too many to remember. We’re told that the Law was not made for the righteous but for ungodly sinners.
1 Timothy 1:9-10 Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine;
The Law exposes sin and makes sin exceeding sinful (Romans 7:13) and death comes through the transgression of the Law. The book of Romans is great to read concerning how the Law applies to our transgression of the Law.
The final purpose the Law serves as a tutor or schoolmaster to bring us to Christ (Galatians 3:24). By seeing ourselves through the Law and the fact that we can’t keep it because none of us are perfect an alarm should go off in our head. Our conscience should be screaming “I’m in trouble with God!”, this would show you the need for a Saviour. The Law is there as a reminder to the children of Israel also to show them the need for a Christ.
Law vs Grace
Believer, take heed if you ever come across someone who tells you that you must keep the Law of Moses or any strict rule keeping for salvation know this is false. There are cults who teach you must believe and adhere to “keeping the Law”. Groups who teach these things either up front or subtly are Seventh Day Adventist, Jehovah Witnesses, Mormons, Islam, Christadelphians, Black Hebrew Israelites etc.
They won’t admit it but they all depend on a works based salvation, it’s Jesus plus their good deeds. The Bible is clear that salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-10). These groups look to gain God’s favor by working for it and the Bible is clear that there’s nothing you can do to merit salvation (Isaiah 64:6).
Legalism
The term legalism is similar in that it’s still “works based” even though you may not be referring to “The Law of Moses” as a basis but the individual is still depending on themselves to do certain things in order to remain in right standing with God. This is also called strict rule keeping.
A group that comes to mind is a cult based in Australia (Exclusive Brethren), all men must wear white shirts with white buttons. Another rule they have is a member’s home must not share the same drainage or their home cannot touch and unbelievers house (adjoining walls).
The Seventh Day Adventist cult also falls into this “rule keeping” they have strict dietary rules such as vegetarian diets and keeping the Sabbath. Here’s a quote from the SDA website concerning proper health in the eyes of the Advent movement.
“Exercise and avoidance of harmful substances such as tobacco, alcohol and mind-altering substances lead to clear minds and wise choices. A well-balanced vegetarian diet that avoids the consumption of meat coupled with intake of legumes, whole grains, nuts, fruits and vegetables, along with a source of vitamin B12, will promote vigorous health.” – SDA
Notice in the above statement “A well-balanced vegetarian diet that avoids the consumption of meat” Adventist are to avoid meat, this is a perfect picture legalism and any group you come across who do such things should be avoided.
Christ the End of the Law
The Lord Jesus said in the synoptic Gospels while giving the sermon on the mount in direct reference to the Law, He said: “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil.” (Matthew 5:17). The Law condemns sin and is used to stop every mouth or person who would seek to exalt themselves; proclaiming a person guilty before God (Romans 3:19).
We see the importance of the Law that it’s Holy and good, it exposes sin and causes sinners to come to a knowledge of themselves that they would repent and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. The Lord Jesus rescued us (believers), He lived a perfect life under the Law fulfilling all the requirements of God which you and I could never do; redeeming us that we may be adopted into the family of God (Galatians 4:4–5).
The Lord Jesus Christ is the believers ark in the same way Noah and his family were saved when they entered the ark by faith (Hebrews 11:7) before the world was flooded for its ungodliness (2 Peter 2:5). The Law should move you to fear that you also would take refuge in the ark which is Christ Jesus.
Believers Relationship To The Law
Therefore, anyone who’s saved in Christ is not condemned under the Law (Romans 8:1) through Christ we establish the Law (Romans 3:31) while not being affected by the Law. As Christ has “abolished in his flesh the enmity, [even] the law of commandments [contained] in ordinances;” (Ephesians 2:15). The unbeliever is not as fortunate because they are still condemned by the Law not being saved.
When a person comes to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ it’s never because of what they can do for God, it’s what God has done for you. Salvation is given freely by God’s grace to the one that does not work (Romans 4:4-5). If you really don’t understand how a person is saved without works/the Law my recommendation to you is to really study the book of Romans and Galatians.
Romans deals with how the Law condemns all sin making everyone guilty before God and in need of Jesus Christ, while Galatians teaches that we cannot mix our works with the saving grace of God. God does all the saving, that said in the post will be focusing on the Law of Christ in contradistinction to this post; Lord willing. God bless.
Last Wednesday as I went out to preach the Gospel in the open air a gentleman walking by stopped to listen to what was being said. After some time he asked a few questions, the questioned asked was “can a homosexual who eats pork be a Christian” ? As always I gave him a biblical answer saying “practising homosexuals cannot be Christian, and dietary laws only apply to Jews in the Old Testament; I’m a gentile” (1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Romans 1:26-27).
He then asked if a person should follow the 613 commandments given in the Law of Moses. It was at this time I realised what I was dealing with, I asked him “are you a Black Hebrew Israelite?”. After a little hesitation, he admitted to being a BHI. I truthfully told him he cannot have salvation by trying to keep the Law.
Black Hebrew Israelites History
The origins of the Black Hebrew Israelite movement began with Frank Cherry and William Saunders Crowdy, both men claimed they had revelations in which “God” revealed to them that African Americans are descendants of the Hebrews in the Christian Bible; Cherry also embraced anti-semitism, claimed that the earth is square, and predicted that Jesus would return in the year 2000. Cherry worked on ships and railroads in the South before running a religious congregation. He taught that God, Jesus, Adam, and Eve were Black.
Crowdy claimed to have had several visions in which he was told “that Blacks were descendants of the ten lost tribes of Israel.” He created the “Church of God and Saints of Christ” and is regarded as a founder of the Black Hebrew Israelite movement. Setting up congregations in Kansas in 1896. In these early days he was arrested 22 times. After setting up another congregation in Topeka, he spread his beliefs in Sedalia, Missouri, Chicago, and several cities in New York, establishing an Elder-in-Charge in each city before moving to the next. In 1903, he bought 40 acres of land in Suffolk, Virginia, calling it “Canaan Land”.
During the following decades, many more Black Hebrew congregations were established, with some holding no connection to Christianity. After World War I, another Black Hebrew congregation was set up in Harlem by Wentworth Arthur Matthew, called the “Commandment Keepers of the Living God.” Selecting elements of Judaism and adopting. In 1930 he moved the congregation to Brooklyn, where he later founded the Israelite Rabbinical Seminary, where Black Hebrew rabbis have been educated/ordained.
Black Hebrew Israelites Camps
While the “Black Hebrew Israelites” all believe similar teachings they can differ between camps. It’s my endeavor to touch upon each specific congregation and their beliefs in the future, Lord willing. For the purposes of this post we will be looking into the Israel United In Christ (IUIC) congregation. All “Black Hebrew Israelites” believe that the 12 tribes spoken of in the Bible refers to them, more specifically they do not believe that the Jews which are in Jerusalem are the true Jews.
Beliefs
IUIC and other congregations teach the tribes consist of “Afrocentric peoples”, when these groups hit the streets to preach what they believe you’ll see a chart which breaks down the “12 tribes of Israel” according to them, here’s how it’s listed.
JUDAH – Blacks/Negroes (American Blacks).
BENJAMIN – West Indians (Jamaica, and the West Indies).
According to them, the true Hebrews are people from the Caribbean, American Blacks and Native Americans. They believe this because they try to tie in the Transatlantic slave trade with the scattered Jews mentioned in the Bible, thereby proclaiming they’re persecuted and held captive in lands such as America. They view Jewish people located in Jerusalem as not authentic Israelites, yet some of those Jews can trace their lineage back, through historical documentation (scrolls) of the names of each male belonging to at least the tribes of Judah and Levi.
Make no mistake “Black Hebrew Israelites” are a cult (just like the Jehovah Witnesses, Christadelphians or Mormons) they use the Trans Atlantic slave trade as a way to lure unsuspecting people indoctrinating them through emotions. A majority of the members of IUIC and other BHI groups are disenchanted by how they are treated in terms of socio-economic factors, and understandably so. They feel betrayed by the communities they’re a part of and the challenges they face.
The Person of Jesus Christ
For the “Black Hebrew Israelite” skin colour is everything to them, their doctrines are soaked in racist beliefs, and because of this, they teach that Jesus Christ was a black man. If you’ve ever come across BHI you’ll notice the signs they carry one of them has a picture of a black man with white hair and beard. They get this teaching from two sets of scriptures, one from the book of Revelation and the other from the book of Daniel.
Revelation 1:13-15 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks [one] like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. His head and [his] hairs [were] white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes [were] as a flame of fire; And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters.
Daniel 10:5-6 Then I lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and behold a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins [were] girded with fine gold of Uphaz: His body also [was] like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude.
It’s easy to see how someone who’s in the flesh would think these verses describe Jesus Christ as being “black”. We must keep in mind that the Messiah is a Jew, our Lord told us that “…salvation is of the Jews.” (John 4:22). The Lord Jesus was the seed of king David according to the flesh (Romans 1:3) and born of a Jewish virgin woman (Matthew 1:1-16, Luke 1:31). Therefore, we must deduce that Jesus was indeed a Jew.
As for His exact appearance being from Bethlehem, He could have somewhat brown coloured skin, but He’s certainly not a black man. Additionally, both sets of scriptures presented for Revelation 1:13-15 and Daniel 10:5-6 are visions of the glorified Christ after His earthly ministry. Shown in His divine glory, as Creator and King of kings and Lord of lords.
a. His head and hair were white like wool: The white hair speaks of old age, wisdom and timelessness. The phrase white as snow also emphasizes the idea of purity (Isaiah 1:18).
i. The white hair and head also connect Jesus with the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7:9). The name of Ancient of Days belongs to God the Father, yet it also applies to Christ in that He is eternal and equal with the Father as to his Divine nature.
ii. This was not only a symbol but evidence of his glory.
b. His eyes like a flame of fire: Fire is often associated with judgment in the Scriptures (Matthew 5:22, 2 Peter 3:7). Jesus eyes could search into the hearts of man, penetrating judgment (Revelation 2:23).
c. His feet were like fine brass: The Lord Jesus took the judgment we all deserve upon Himself, these feet like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace speaks of refinement and purity. (Luke 12:50)
i. Brass is a metal connected with judgment and sacrifice. Israel’s altar of sacrifice was made of brass (Exodus 27:1-6), and it was called the “brazen altar.”
ii. Brass is also a strong metal, the strongest known in the ancient world. Therefore feet… like fine brass are His steadfastness, stability and permanence, He being able to endure all things
iii. Everything in this vision speaks of strength, majesty, authority and righteousness. None of this is about “race” as these groups are hung up on because they run off of hatred and racism.
Repentance
According to the IUIC website under “Learn The Truth/How Do I Repent” here’s what they say about “who” can repent “Repentance is for the Israelites first and foremost for blessings to come upon the Earth.” They then go on to cite different scriptures some of them having nothing to do with repentance, such as Revelation 7:1-4.
IUIC says in reference to the Revelation verse “This proves the angels are even holding back the final destruction until 144,000 Israelites are sealed with the understanding that they are Israelites and the keeping of God’s laws in Christ.” What the Black Hebrew Israelites fail to understand that 144,000 while yes they are Israelites they were chosen to preach the Gospel during the Great Tribulation.
They go as far as to place the nation of Israel on the same level as Christ Himself! Here’s what they say “Everything must begin with Christ and the Nation of Israel. In the end, the nations will be obedient to the Most High’s laws under Christ and the nation of Israel” Notice they include the nation of Israel on the same level as Jesus Christ.
To argue their views they cite Psalms 149:1-9, Isaiah 14:1-4, Isaiah 60:9-16, Revelation 21:24 but we must understand the context of these verses.
Psalms 149:1-9 There are two portions to this particular Psalm, the first half deals with the saints singing praise to God (vv. 1–6a) the second half speaks of the reign of the saints (vv. 6b–9). The time in question is when the Lord Jesus returns to earth and ushers in the millennial kingdom.
Isaiah 14:1-4 The LORD showing His mercy restores Israel to their own land. Gentile nations will assists in the return and live peacefully with God’s people. Israel’s former overlords will be her servants. Notice in that verse it says “The strangers shall be joined with them” God has always had in His plan for all men to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4) not only Jews. As for being “servants” we can’t forget that the Lord Jesus being our greatest example also came to serve during His earthly ministry (Matthew 20:28, Mark 10:45, John 13:1-7) and we’re told to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13).
Isaiah 60:9-16 Reflects a time in which Israel’s people will return to the land in flocks bringing their wealth with them in ships. Foreigners will help as construction workers and kings as servants of God. Israel will no longer have to worry about persecution for they will no longer be hated but recognized as “The city of the Holy One”.
Revelation 21:24 Gentile nations will enjoy its beauty (New Jerusalem), and the kings of the earth will come with their tribute the Lord Himself. They will pay homage to the King Himself and that’s Jesus Christ not the “Black Hebrew Israelites”.
IUIC goes unto to say “Ultimately everyone will be obedient to the Laws of the Most High taught to them by the Israelites.” When they mention “Laws” they’re referring to the Old Testament Law. One thing all cults have in common is that they focus on trying to keep the Law.
God’s word is clear “no flesh will be justified” by the Law (Romans 3:20) that our works cannot justify us, “justification” only comes by “faith in Christ” alone (Galatians 2:16) because all our “righteousnesses are filthy rags” before a Holy God (Isaiah 64:6). God’s word even says what’s the purpose of the Law and that’s to bring the knowledge of sin (Romans 3:20), that the Law is a “schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ” for justification (Galatians 3:24), that the Law brings death.
Romans 7:5-11 For when we were in the flesh, the motions of sins, which were by the law, did work in our members to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not [in] the oldness of the letter. What shall we say then? [Is] the law sin? God forbid. Nay, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not known lust, except the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence. For without the law sin [was] dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died. And the commandment, which [was ordained] to life, I found [to be] unto death. For sin, taking occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and by it slew [me].
The book of Hebrews says for those who are saved the commandment/Law is done away, cancelled or disannulled (Hebrews 7:18-19). The believer in Christ who has trusted in Him never needs to fear because there’s no condemnation for the believer in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
This statement here by the IUIC is really funny and I’ll tell you why. “The Most High is letting Israel know if they return back unto him, it must be done in sincerity and truth (by keeping His Laws in Christ), and not as a hypocrite. An example of these hypocrites are those who know the commandments of God but yet keep the traditions of men. Wherefore Brothers and Sisters it is imperative we repent and humble ourselves to the scriptures.” According to IUIC we must keep the Old Testament Laws which would place a person under a condemnation which is not funny at all. But what is that they say “it is imperative we repent and humble ourselves to the scriptures”.
If you’ve done any digging around or come across Black Hebrew Israelites you will quickly realise that they are anything but “humble“. They are quick to curse and humiliate people walking by on the streets, even making people kiss their boots if at all possible. This is definitely not how the man or woman of God should behave. This is another cult which uses emotionalism and racism in order to gain more members with those who sympathise.
Conclusion
How are we as believers to deal with cults such as these? The best way is to share the true Gospel found in the scriptures (John 3:15-18, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4). They need to understand that Christ died for the ungodly (Romans 5:6) and that salvation is a free gift freely given by God to the sinner (Ephesians 2:8-9). Whenever we share the pure unadulterated Gospel all the false gospel preached by this cult will vanish away because there’s only one Gospel (Galatians 1:6-9).
Romans 1:16 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.
As I continue to look into the inner workings and beliefs of this strange and unique cult I’ll write more on them, Lord willing. This was sort of an introductory as to what some of their beliefs are. In the meantime let us remember the words of our Lord on the cross when He said “it is finished” (John 19:30) nothing more needs to be done.
The LORD God Almighty made a proclamation that the children of Israel have forsaken Him and identified Himself as “the fountain of living waters”. This should ring a bell bringing your attention to a particular event which we’re taught in the Bible found in the New Testament. See previous post Jesus Christ is God Psalm 27:1, John 1:5
Jeremiah 2:13 For my people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, [and] hewed them out cisterns, broken cisterns, that can hold no water.
In the New Testament, we have the account of the Samaritan woman. When the Lord Jesus sent His disciples into the village He spake with the woman at Jacob’s well. After asking the woman for a drink of water she said: “How is it that thou, being a Jew, askest drink of me, which am a woman of Samaria?”. He told her that He will give her “living waters”. This is textual proof which shows the Lord Jesus is Almighty God because only God Almighty can give “living waters”.
John 4:10, 13-15 Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water. … Jesus answered and said unto her, Whosoever drinketh of this water shall thirst again: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. The woman saith unto him, Sir, give me this water, that I thirst not, neither come hither to draw.
Now do not be mistaken, I’m not saying that Jesus Christ is God the Father, neither is He the Holy Spirit. But as you can see from the plain reading of the text the Lord Jesus can do the same as the Father. Jesus said again in the Gospel of John “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink”, once again this is proof of the deity of Christ.
John 7:37 In the last day, that great [day] of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.
We then conclude with the book of Revelation the universal call to all which says “whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely”. Anyone who would like to have eternal life is told to come to Jesus Christ to drink of the water of life.
Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
It is our hope and prayer that you would take of this living water, the water of life which the Lord Jesus would freely give unto you if you would come to Him.
God is light and being a perfect God is Holy, He is the opposite of darkness; therefore, God would be light Himself. It’s plain to see all throughout the scriptures all good things comes from the Father of lights. See last post Jesus Christ is God John 17:3, 1 John 5:20
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.
The Pentateuch
In the beginning of our Bibles, God (Elohim) spoke these words “let there be light” and there was (Genesis 1:3). At that moment darkness was divided from the light (Genesis 1:4) and we know that the LORD never has any part or affiliation with darkness.
When the Lord delivered the children of Israel from the bondage of Egypt, Israel was given light from the LORD, as He lead them through the wilderness (Exodus 13:21). God protected them from the Egyptian army which sought to destroy them. God kept the Egyptians separated from Israel as Moses would part the Red Sea (Exodus 14:20-23).
The Psalmist king David
As king David who was a man after God’s own heart spake by the Holy Ghost (Acts 1:16) could write about who the LORD is saying “The LORD [is] my light” again we’re confronted with this great truth that God is light. Through the light, our God leads us (Psalm 43:3) and directs our feet placing them on the right path (Psalm 119:105), He has shown us light (Psalm 118:27).
Psalm 27:1 The LORD [is] my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the LORD [is] the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
The Book of Proverbs
David’s son king Solomon also directed and guided by the Holy Spirit the wisest of all men told us in Proverbs that God’s holy Law is also light because it comes from God (Proverbs 6:23) anything which comes from God in its very nature would be light.
The Prophets
The prophet Isaiah cried unto the people of Israel as the LORD directed him saying “let us walk in the light of the LORD.” (Isaiah 2:5) Were also told that “a great light” which in reference to God would be shown to the people who walked in darkness (Isaiah 9:2). In Isaiah, we have a direct reference to the One who is called by God His servant and will come unto the Gentiles also know as the Messiah (Isaiah 42:6).
In the book of Daniel we have the account of the dreams which came to king Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, the king making a decree that his dreams should be made known otherwise he would destroy all the wise men. Daniel hearing of this harsh decree sought the king asking for time to seek the LORD in prayer that He would make the interpretation known. Daniel was shown the interpretation by God and came to stand before king Nebuchadnezzar proclaiming these words about the LORD, “and the light dwelleth with him”.
Daniel 2:22 He revealeth the deep and secret things: he knoweth what [is] in the darkness, and the light dwelleth with him.
In the book of Micah, he gave thanks unto the LORD for being his light saying “the LORD [shall be] a light unto me” (Micah 7:8). Another prophet by the name of Habakkuk prayed to the LORD and it says that God came, the Holy One and “And his brightness was as the light” the text goes on to say “he had horns coming out of his hand” or rays flashing from His hand which speaks of His glory.
The New Testament
We’ve seen just but a few verses which speak of God Himself as being referred to as “light”, as we continue past the last book of the Old Testament. The first reference of God as light is found in the Gospel according to Matthew which says:
Matthew 4:16 The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.
This verse in Matthew is pointing us back to the verse found in the old testament, the prophet Isaiah prophesied about a great light which would be shown unto the people who are in darkness. This is a direct statement concerning the coming Messiah and this was fulfilled by the Lord Jesus (Luke 1:79). Luke puts it this way that He (Jesus) was “A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.” (Luke 2:32)
Immediately following that verse we have the Lord Jesus preaching to the people saying “From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17). This brings us to another important event called the mount of transfiguration, the Lord chose Peter, James and John to accompany Him to the top of the mountain as the rest stood behind at the base (Mark 9:1-2, Luke 9:28-29).
When the Lord Jesus prayed the scriptures say He was transfigured and His countenance became “raiment became shining, exceeding white as snow; so as no fuller on earth can white them” (Mark 9:3) or “his raiment was white and glistering” (Luke 9:29).
In the Gospel of John, the apostle says that in Jesus was life and that life was the “light” of men (John 1:4). Jesus Christ is the origin or source of light itself. John then compares Christ to the surrounding darkness of this world.
John 1:4-5 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John the Baptist was the forerunner spoken of in the book of Isaiah who would proclaim to Israel the coming of the Messiah (Isaiah 40:3), John references this and mentions that John was a witness to “the Light”.
John 1:7-9 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all [men] through him might believe. He was not that Light, but [was sent] to bear witness of that Light. [That] was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
When Saul (Paul the apostle) was persecuting the church he was on the road to Damascus and was visited by the risen Lord, Luke the physician tells us that Saul saw “shined round about him a light from heaven” (Acts 9:3). Paul after his conversion gives his testimony of coming face to face with Christ Jesus and said to the chief captain and Hebrew people in the Hebrew tongue.
Acts 22:6, 9, 11 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me. … And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me. … And when I could not see for the glory of that light, being led by the hand of them that were with me, I came into Damascus.
Paul gives his testimony again before king Agrippa saying how he saw a light from heaven on the road to Damascus. And that Christ was a light shown unto the people and Gentiles (Acts 26:23).
Acts 26:13 At midday, O king, I saw in the way a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining round about me and them which journeyed with me.
In the epistle to the Corinthians Paul tells us that the light of the Gospel is which speaks of Christ Himself, the Lord Jesus is that light but satan is keeping people blinded to that light (2 Corinthians 4:4).
2 Corinthians 4:6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to [give] the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
In the epistle to the Ephesians, we’re told to awake and Jesus Christ will give us “light” (Ephesians 5:14). The book of 1 Timothy tells us that God the Father dwells in “light which no man can approach unto” (1 Timothy 6:16). The apostle Peter tells us that believers are called out of darkness “into his marvellous light” (1 Peter 2:9).
John the apostle in his first epistle tells is this fact which is “God is light, and in him is no darkness at all”. How pure is the God that we serve, complete Holiness and purity.?!
1 John 1:5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all.
John goes on to say how believers are to walk in the light as the Lord Jesus is in the “light” that we may have fellowship with our Lord (1 John 1:7). He calls Jesus “the true light” (1 John 2:8).
The last book of the Bible, Revelation speaks of the Lamb of God who is the “light and glory of God” (Revelation 21:23), and that God is the one who gives this light.
Revelation 22:5 And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.
We hope that this was edifying to you and helps you in your studies in seeing that the Lord Jesus is God.
John 9:5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
