EO Responds To
Emails 12-14-08
(EMAIL) I see you use the NIV when trying to quote the Bible. The NIV was either translated from a corrupted manuscript or the manuscript itself was corrupt. Scores and scores of verses are either incomplete or totally missing all together from the NIV. Unfortunately many churches I’ve been to use this version and don’t know this. But it shows when they talk about scripture. One very important verse that leaps to mind is Luke 4:4. Look at it in the King James and then look it up in your book {the NIV}. The most important part of the that verse is missing. This only one of hundreds of verses like this in the NIV. Some are just plain left out. No wonder you’re confused. Question: How many people are going to bother to believe the Gospel if they can’t believe that they are saved FOREVER????, Let alone witness to others??? NOONE???
(REPLY) Greetings in Jesus’ name.
Those are some very serious charges against the NIV, but very common. It is SHOCKING how many people don’t know that the NIV is based on different manuscripts than the KJV. The NIV did not “leave out” those words and/or verses—they are not in the oldest manuscripts. You cited Lk. 4:4, but did you know in Mt. 4:4 it is there?
If you continue to read only the KJV you will not be able to understand what you are reading. It is that simple! You can’t even pronounce those strange KJV words much less know what they mean, yet you want others to suffer like that too! Such will not only will block one’s ability to understand God’s word, but will also frustrate and discourage people from reading the Bible, especially with so many having reading difficulties.
Finally, it is apparent you believe in eternal security (once saved always saved). Your reading of the KJV did [not] help you see the fallacy of that false doctrine. You deny a righteous person can die spiritually even though it is from cover to cover in the Bible. Please read this http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/spiritualdeath.htm
Please consider getting our 801 page book refuting eternal security entitled, “The Believer’s Conditional Security.” There is MUCH in it that can help you better understand this salvation related subject. http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/whatsnew.htm This book is the most exhaustive and comprehensive refutation to eternal security ever written.
Please consider signing up for our weekly email teachings, updates, etc. If interested, you can do that here http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/contact.htm
Remember Gal. 6:8,9 is a SALVATION passage not a rewards passage. GOD BLESS YOU.
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(EMAIL) I was recently reading through your page on the different biblical names for Jesus when I noticed your attack on Catholic Christians at the bottom of the page and would like to give some insight on the beliefs of Catholics. If it was not meant to sound aggressive, I strongly suggest you reword the article on your web page.
I was surprised when you referred to Catholicism’s “unscriptural exaltations of Mary.” Do you deny the vast importance of Mary to Christians? When Mary agreed to bear the Son of God (Luke 1:38 for example), she demonstrated her subservience, obedience, and complete submission to God’s Will. We are all called to obey God’s Will in our lives. Thus, Mary is a prominent role model for us. We honor her and ask her to pray for us, just as we ask our friends on earth to pray for us in times of need. (We do not worship her or claim her to be the object of our salvation.) We know that Mary was conceived without sin because of apparitions. I cannot convince you that these miracles are from God, but I can offer this: Being Divine, God was able to choose any woman to give birth to His Son. Don’t you think that He would choose a Holy and sinless woman to give birth to Jesus Christ? Mary was not perfect; only Jesus was perfect. God had the power to give the gift of holiness and sinlessness to Mary so that she would be a suitable mother for His only Son.
Also, Mary is not the way to God; Mary points to the way to God - Jesus. When Mary is depicted as holding Baby Jesus in her arms, she shows her great love for Jesus, a love that we should imitate. These depictions are not meant to display Mary as having power over Jesus; they are meant to show her unshakeable love for Jesus. God chose to come to earth in the form of Man; however, He began this journey as an infant. Because God chose this, He was dependent as in infant. Mary loved Jesus, to put it simply, with all her heart. We should too. Whenever Catholics (or any other people for that matter) say, “Mary,” she turns around and says, “Jesus.” When we ask Mary to pray for us, she taps Jesus on the shoulder and gives Him our petition.
I would like to challenge this statement found on the “Who is Dan Corner” page:
“...he got saved by reading the Bible.” Wait a minute; I thought we can only rely on Jesus Christ as our salvation. Salvation is not granted because of any acts of our own, rather, salvation is granted because of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice of dying on the cross for our sins. We are not saved because of anything we do (ex: giving money to the poor, converting 100 people, reading the bible for two hours a day, writing books to win over God’s people, etc...); we are saved because Jesus conquered sin by sacrificing His life for us. In regards to the Catholic belief on salvation, it can be summarized with four simple points:
(1) God created us to have a personal relationship with Him, now and forever (1 John 3:1);
(2) we turn away from God when we sin, and our relationship with God is severed, the greatest consequence being eternal separation from God and death (Romans 6:23);
(3) Jesus restores our relationship by taking the consequences of our sins through death on the cross, and by bringing us new life through rising from the dead (John 3:16-17), only Jesus can restore our relationship with God by bridging the gap caused by sin (John 14:6);
(4) we must choose to make a commitment to Christ, and choose to open the doors to our hearts to Jesus (Revelation 3:20). This is Catholic teaching on salvation. I am sure that it all comes from biblical teachings. Does it correspond to your Christian belief on salvation?
It saddens me that you do not think Catholics are real Christians, as depicted in the title “The Real Christian” (emphasis added). Christians are followers of Christ who acknowledge the Blessed Trinity and proclaim Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour. Catholics do both of these things. I do not understand your explanation of the fundamental difference between Catholics and Bible-defined Christians. You say that Jesus’ spiritual family includes those people who put God’s word into practice and have Jesus as the object of their faith and salvation. Please correct me if I misunderstand, but does this attempt to claim that Catholics do not practice God’s word or accept Jesus as their Saviour?
I would love to hear back from you if you are willing to hear back from me. Please ask for clarification if I have been ambiguous.
Thank you for allowing me this opportunity to share my faith with you, and resultantly grow increasingly firm in it. God Bless you,
(REPLY) Greetings in Jesus’ name.
The basic problem here is you have been taught apart from the Bible, but you think you are believing in accord with Scripture. Until you get a heavy dose of Scripture (TRUTH) by READING AND PONDERING IT DIRECTLY FOR YOURSELF, you will probably remain in your current bogus beliefs. Please don’t forget that the Bible is final authority and it was expressely given to show us how to find salvation (2 Tim. 3:15-17). You are trusting in being a Catholic plus what the priests, nuns, CCD teachers, etc. tell you. This is a very DANGEROUS thing to do. Your SOUL is in the greatest danger, yet you think you are safe and believing what God wants.
The Catholic church has fabricated an image of their Mary which has evolved over the centuries to the current image. It has gotten further and further from the truth. Now their Mary is the sinless, Queen of heaven, who is the mediatrix and dispenser of all graces! That alone is enough poison to damn all who believe it, but there is MUCH more.
The Rosary is openly recited and declares their Mary as “our LIFE, sweetness and hope.” If you know even the slightest of Biblical salvation it should be apparent that JESUS IS OUR LIFE (1 John 5:12), among many other things. Hence, the Rosary, which the Catholic church says is the “epitome of the whole gospel,” is heretical and DEADLY on that point alone.
Furthermore, the Fatima visions declare Mary as “the way” to God! For the Catholic authorities to endorse such a message as being from God shows how deceived they are. You quoted John 14:6 in your email. QUESTION FOR ______: Who is “the way” to God—Mary or Jesus????? If you say Jesus you are right, but then I must also ask HOW CAN YOU DEFEND ANY RELIGIOUS SYSTEM THAT WHOULD SAY SOMEONE ELSE IS “THE WAY”? That should be enough to cause you and other wise people to leave the Catholic system with all of her false doctrines and idolatries.
Regarding salvation itself, the Catholic church teaches one is “born again” at infant baptism apart from any repentance or faith!!!!! Shocking but true! Also, while the Catholic church uses Biblical terms, it means something different and incorporates their false sacramental system and false priesthood.
Because we are living in an Ecumenical time the Catholic church is trying to make their doctrines seem more Christian, but they are still the same vile teachings that are clearly shown at the Council of Trent. Have you read the Council of Trent? That is where the Catholic church pronounced at least 100 anathemas on others for believing differently and often what the Bible says. Check it for yourself.
While you’re at it, please check into the MILLIONS of people the Catholic church has killed and TORTURED over the years (MANY WERE REAL CHRISTIANS). Read about the crusades, Bloody Mary, the Spanish Inquistion, etc.
True salvation is so simple people miss it. We MUST “believe on Jesus,” which means to have a trusting and submissive faith in Jesus. We must OBEY to “believe.” YOU DO NOT. You are trusting in being a Catholic, the sacraments, Mary along with Jesus and therefore do NOT have all 100% of your faith in Jesus. Furthermore, you are committing idolatry when you “worship” the communion wafer. (You call it the Eucharist.) You also “bow” before images which is forbidden in Scripture (Ex. 20:5) and idolatrous.
Rather than answer every point you wrote, please read over these articles dealing with all of this http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/catholic.htm
Go by the Bible and you’ll be safe. Depart from Scripture and you’ll be lethally deceived. Please change. You are on the road to hell.
GOD BLESS YOU.
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(EMAIL) I chanced upon your site when searching for more exegesis on King David and the passages regarding his recorded adultery. I am heartened that as a Protestant ministry you are correctly leading your people away from the silly, execrable, and deleterious notion of “Once Saved Always Saved.” Correctly as you state it, it is not at all Scriptural. Moreover, it makes no sense. It is absurd at best, and a clear case of Angelism gone wild. May the Merciful God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and the Heavenly Court of all the Saints guide you and lead you. In the words of the great St. Francis de Sales, “Vive Jesu’!”
(REPLY) Greetings in Jesus’ name.
We have a godly “hate” for the HERESY of eternal security. It has certainly led multitudes to hell. Similarly, Catholicism is another religious myth we speak the truth in love on. Their false Mary is trusted in for salvation as shown in the rosary -- “our life, sweetness and hope.” This is demonic too. Did you know we have a great book entitled, “Is This The Mary Of The Bible?” You should read this book and make your exit from that false religious system and its counterfeit plan of salvation beginning with infant baptism to get “born again.” Please read this about Biblical salvation and change accordingly http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/salvationps.htm GOD BLESS YOU.
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(EMAIL) I was just going thru the emails and answers you give and I asked the Lord to lead me to one that would help me right now. And boy, did God answer me, He is so faithful to hear us. It concerned the unpardenable sin. I, too, thought I had done this, and now I see I have not. Oh, the sweet peace of God and the indwelling of our Lord and the precious Holy Spirit.
Thank you so much for including these question and answer emails. You have been such a blessing to me. How grateful to God I am for you. I send you my love and a grateful heart. These days are difficult and getting more so, but I now have the truth to gird my loins, and the Sword of the Spirit to help me fight the battles ahead. God Bless You!,
(REPLY) Greetings in Jesus’ name.
Thank you for letting us know how that helped. It is a sweet BLESSING to hear. You are certainly right that these are difficult days, but God has provided what we need to endure and overcome. You can do it, by the grace of God. Keep pressing on and keep your eyes on eternity. This life is short and cursed. One day we’ll be “home” never again to be in such a horrible environment as this one [as long as we die with a pure heart].
GOD BLESS YOU. 1 Cor. 9:27.
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(EMAIL) I want to thank you for your boldness and faithfulness to share the WORD of the Lord in it’s truth. In this day and time, there are so many so-called preachers whom have watered-down the gospel to those whom have itching ears. I have heard that once saved always saved foolishness preached in my church so much so that, sin is running rampant within the confines of GOD’s church. Those of us whom stand firm on GOD’s WORD are ostracized and considered mean and Pharisaic. Many opportunities to “work” within the church are blocked from us. But, we count it all joy. I have been attached verbally for the stance against once saved always saved. It’s all well. Thank you for standing firm against that once saved always saved foolishness that leads so many pple to the pit of hell.
I recently read some of your emails and responses and shouted within my spirit at one particular response on divorce and remarriage. You did not tip-toe or sugar-coat the WORD of GOD to spare this man’s feelings - you told the truth as GOD would have it and I appreciated that. You gave the writer scripture to support everything that GOD said scripturally. I loved it! So many pple think that they can divorce for whatever reason and remarry and think GOD is ok with that. Many do not know that they are committing adultery and cause the one that they’ve divorced and the one that they’ve married to commit adultery. I am so glad that you brought that fact out.
I really loved where you pointed out that the wife was bound by law as long as her husband lives and if he dies, she is free to marry another but ONLY in the LORD. I’ve held on to that scripture these past four year while my spouse goes from woman to woman committing adultery - bringing other foolish women in on his sin and the judgment of GOD upon themselves and possibly their seed. Yes, we are still married (separated) and he refuses to be the one to file for divorce - he wants me to do it. I’m going to hold on to GOD's WORD for I believe GOD’s WORD to be true. GOD has told me to “be still”. He has given me a promise concerning my situation and I will not move to the left nor the right until He says so, even with apparent grounds for divorce. Thank GOD for your ministry.
(REPLY) Greetings in Jesus’ name.
It is WONDERFUL to read that you know once saved always saved is wrong, but do you consider it a HERESY and FALSE GOSPEL as you should? If so, then it appears you are going to a congregation that is spreading “heresy” and “another gospel” and you need to leave—the sooner the better for you and your loved ones.
Your observation about how sin runs rampant in an eternal security church is important for people to note. Remember, after the devil preached eternal security in Gen. 3:4 Eve, then Adam sinned. It goes with that doctrine—a license to sin.
Divorce and remarriage are terrible problems. In fact, they are epidemic, even among people claiming to be “Christians.” God sees them as “adulterers,” yet the church of our day treats them as Christian!!!! This spells APOSTASY, especially with eternal security being so common and even taught as the “gospel” itself. Please note: MANY people in ministry today, even ones who reject eternal security, are either divorced or “married” to a person who is divorced. In part, their own example is why this divorce and remarriage problem has gotten so bad. Adultery is rampant. (The only sure safe remarriage is if one’s spouse dies.)
I’m terribly sorry for the part about your adulterous husband. May God quickly bring him to repentance and help him see that no sin is worth going to hell over. Dear sister, one day God will wipe all tears away for the overcomers. One day we will also be “home.”... Keep pressing on. (Heb. 3:14; Mt. 10:22; etc.)
May God bless and strengthen you. We send you a holy hug in the Lord. GOD BLESS YOU.
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(EMAIL)...The fact that you accept that we must continue in the Lord, rather than make a one time confession after repenting, puts us very close doctrinally in that area. Infant baptism, according to Catholic doctrine, must be followed by an adult repentance for it to continue to have any saving effect. We Catholics don’t repent once and that’s it...we continue to turn from sin our whole life long, opening our hearts wider and wider to the God who made us and saves us. Why does the Church baptize infants? For one, Jesus said “let the little children come to me, for to such belong the Kingdom of God.” Even in Bible times “whole households” were baptized. Just as Jews circumcised their children on the eighth day, we Catholics baptize our children.
The prophets warned those who were circumcised in flesh only, and not in heart, that they were not saved. Catholic bishops (who hold teaching authority, just as the Apostles did) declare that many Catholics are such in name only, and though they regularly attend Church, they nevertheless are not saved, unless they repent and accept the grace that God has provided in Jesus.
Some of the issues you mentioned, especially regarding Mary are stated correctly, but, it seems, misunderstood.
Again, I would be very happy to discuss them with you, but for now I will just say that the Mary of the Bible, and Mary today are different, praise God!!
Jesus tells us that anyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.
He also told His Apostles that they would sit on judgement seats and judge the 12 tribes of Israel.
They were not judges on earth. They were rugged fisherman and tax collectors, etc turned servants. But now, because they humbled themselves and worked in the Lord's harvest, He has exalted them, as He said he would. Mary, the handmaid of the Lord, humbled herself and that’s why she is exalted today, not by man, but by the Lord. We merely agree with God who said through the angel Gabriel that Mary is “highly favored” and “full of grace.” And we agree with the Holy Spirit who inspired Mary to declare “from now on all generations shall call me blessed.”
Every generation in the Catholic Church has indeed called her blessed, to the glory of God!
The Catholic Church, properly understood, is not a religious system, but a Body. It is Jesus Himself, continuing His mission, through us. We truly are His hands and feet. We speak His words “this is My Body which will be given for you,” “your sins are forgiven,” etc. We are filled with His Spirit, enabling us to do all He calls us to. Everything that Christ did, we do, as He said we would. He even foretold that there would be evildoers in the Church (see the parable of the wheat and the weeds.) That isn’t hard to see today! But He assured us that His Church would be victorious, and that the gates of hell would not prevail over It. Though we have been attacked from within and without, we stand glorious, radiant and triumphant 2008 years later and we will continue to do so until He comes in glory.
Today there are, by some counts, over 38,000 denominations, but only One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. When we read Paul’s letters we find that disunity is a sign of our flesh and the devil rearing their ugly heads. We are to be of one mind, with love reigning over all. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. And, by God’s grace, we have remained such, since Jesus handed Peter the keys. Scandals, dissensions, schisms and heresies have rocked us, but our House has stood firm and continues to preach the Gospel to all creation.
Your call to read Scripture is wise and appreciated. I have been reading the Bible almost daily since my young adult conversion in ____. I, too, left the Catholic Church for almost two years, but have been back for over fifteen. Today I am in love with the Lord’s Church, which is His Body. (“Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”) I also attend an Assembly of God church, and have for six years. They are wonderful brothers and sisters, whom I cherish.
Thanks again for your response, I look forward to hearing from you. In Christ’s Love,
(REPLY) Greetings in Jesus’ name.
Somehow you have been misinformed about Catholicism or are trying to misinform me. Catholicism teaches:
By baptism men and women are cleansed from original sin and from all personal sins, they are born again as children of God, are made part of the Church and are made holy by the gifts of the Holy Spirit. (Vatican Council II, Vol. 2, p. 561)
Little children were NOT water baptized when they came to Jesus in the Bible! He merely placed his hands on them (Mt. 19:14,15)! Think. You are assuming there were infants in the Philippian jailer’s household when he got saved -- that is only an assumption. You can NOT prove that, yet as weak as that statement is, it is one of the best arguments for infant baptism. Please stop and read this http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/infantbaptism.htm
NOTE: there is NO repentance or FAITH needed, especially for a baby to get born again and forgiven. Stop trying to cover over this heresy. You have also mentioned repentance. You should instead be saying “penance,” which is NOT the same. Catholicism teaches: the sacrament of penance is where “sins committed after baptism are forgiven through the absolution of the priest.” (Baltimore Catechism, p. 184). Hence, they think a Catholic priest is needed for this, which is different from Biblical repentance which required NO PRIEST. Also, confessing sins to a priest is heretical. He can NOT forgive our sins—only God can and God doesn’t do that through a priest. Praying “Hail Marys” and “Our Fathers” with an act of contrition will not earn our forgiveness with or without the priest trying to forgive our sins. The Lord’s Apostles have NO similarities to Catholic priests.
The Mary of Catholicism has evolved over the centuries to the place where she is not only the rival of the Lord Jesus, but actually [supercedes] him. For example, the Roman Catholic hierachy approved the Fatima Marian Visions which state Mary (not Jesus) is “the way” to God. That is enough heresy to damn all who believe it, yet your spiritual leaders endorsed it! (That alone shows how DARK they are.) Imagine, Mary is “the way” to God for them. In contrast, Jesus taught, JESUS IS “THE WAY” to God (John 14:6). That Catholic error should be enough to cause you to leave such a DARK religious system as Catholicism.
Mary has NOT been exalted to the sinless, ever-virgin queen of heaven, mother of mercies and dispenser of all graces, as claimed. Neither is she “our life, sweetness and hope.” JESUS is “our life, sweetness and hope.” (Again, the Catholic Mary replaces Jesus.) John the Baptist was GREATER THAN MARY, according to Jesus (Mt. 11:11). If Mary was exalted for being humble, then John should have been exalted MORE. The truth is God does NOT share his glory with another (Isa. 42:8).
The Roman Catholic denomination is a false religious system which makes many startling and authoritative claims. It has evolved over the centuries taking in more and more idolatries and pagan practices. It is not what it claims to be. You should be able to tell that from reading the Bible, if you were a lover of truth (which you apparently are not since you claim to have been reading the Bible for years and can’t see these things). Just because there are many denominations and groups does NOT mean Catholicism is sound. It clearly is not.
Your email is supporting evidence that the Assemblies of God is heretical. If they were doing their job, you would have nothing to do with Catholicism or would never return to their sound, Biblically-based refutations of Roman Catholicism.
It is clear that Catholicism is NOT CHRISTIAN, especially with what they call the “Treasury of the Church”:
On the contrary the ‘treasury of the Church’ is the infinite value, which can never be exhausted, which Christ’s merits have before God ... This treasury includes as well the prayers and good works of the Blessed Virgin Mary. They are truly immense, unfathomable and even pristine in their value before God. In the treasury, too, are the prayers and good works of all the saints, all those who have followed in the footsteps of Christ the Lord and by his grace made their lives holy and carried out the mission the Father entrusted to them. In this way, they attained their own salvation and at the same time cooperated in saving their brothers in the unity of the Mystical Body. (Ibid., Vol. 1, p. 66)
Clearly, that is a fable and demonic. You need salvation. You have been committing “idolatry” by bowing before an image and kissing it, praying to Mary, the saints and angels, bowing before and “worshipping” a wafer as God (which you call the “Eucharist”), etc. Idolaters will go to the lake of fire (Rev. 21:8), unless they have true repentance.
Your SOUL is in the greatest danger. TURN FROM YOUR SINS and false hopes or you will perish. God bless you.
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(EMAIL) Hello there, I thank you for the info that is being sent to me, I do read it all and I test everything if it is coming from God. Even the people that you give the skull and bones award. Some of these people I have never even heard about. You gave an award to a man named Gary Amirault ... I keep thinking about how many people have actually been touched by God and have fallen away because of false doctrine that they hear other teachers teach instead of consulting with God’s word and the Holy Spirit within them to verify these things. It sound to me that this man is leading so many people astray in so many ways and satan has really got a tight grip on him. This man does not realize that God is a holy God and He cannot be in the presence of sin. I know that when I called out to Jesus to save me and God’s presence overshadowed me I saw my unworthiness my shame my many many sins. O to talk about it brings back so many memories. There is one thing that I know for certain there is a hell and not everyone is saved and is going to be saved, we have a free will, what is it about these false teachers that they still keep listening to the devil who is still lying to them. I pray for them that they would repent and preach the true gospel, the word of God tells me to pray for all men, and these people are included. The bible says that God’s wrath is coming upon the disobedient and only unrepentant people are disobedient.
(REPLY) Greetings in Jesus’ name.
Thanks for the kind words. Yes, it is sad how any person can get so deceived as Gary Amirault with Universalism. What makes the problem much worse is he has money and different people helping him to spread his demonic message. No doubt that is how he got so big!
His doctrine is clearly non-scriptural, yet people like it. It will certainly be part of the one world religion which is coming. May God help all Christians stand true to the Lord, as we continue to get tested in this life.
GOD BLESS YOU. Remember Heb. 3:14.
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(EMAIL) ...It is truly a blessing to see people who still care about spreading the truth. God bless you. My friend, keep up the good work and be blessed forever for your boldness and strength in standing for the truth.
Also, I receive your emails that you send out. I just got through reading the Mother Teresa article and I had no idea how deceived she was. WOW is all I can say. Thank you for opening my eyes. God bless you.
(REPLY) Greetings in Jesus’ name.
... Thanks for the encouragement regarding Mother Teresa. The religious deception is great in our day .... GOD BLESS YOU.
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(EMAIL) Finally, someone who teaches the uncompromised gospel. I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled you, for that he counted you faithful, putting you into the ministry. Unlike many who are not installed by the Lord but by men as they are unfaithful hirelings tickling itchy ears. May you continue to be gifted to rightly divide the Word of truth.
(REPLY) Greetings in Jesus’ name.
THANK YOU for the very kind words. For you to apparently believe, as we teach, in holiness and endurance for salvation shows me you have been reading your Bible. In this DARK day that is rare, even for church people who profess to be Christians. Most are just blindly following the well-known teachers of our day and yesteryear as they travel on the road to hell together.
Please consider signing up for our weekly email teachings, updates, etc. If interested, you can do that here http://www.evangelicaloutreach.org/contact.htm
GOD BLESS YOU. Heb. 3:14.
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(EMAIL) I just wanted you to see the cover-up answer Ray Comfort gave for the frequently asked question about OSAS. His answer so very shady because it seems that he does not want to admit what he really believes. Here it is:
13. Do you believe in “Once saved always saved?”
When people call and ask where I stand on the charismatic issue, prophecy, predestination, etc., I tell them that I don’t have an opinion because I don’t want to divide the Body of Christ. However, let me share where I stand on one issue that I think Christians may be able to come closer together on—the issue of “Once saved always saved.”
Someone asked my opinion on a book on the subject, written by a very respected man of God. After reading the book, one thing I noticed, was there was a very evident silence on the subject of true and false conversion. This was despite the fact that it is incredibly relevant to the topic dealt with in the book. The New Testament deals with this in great depth. It tells of Judas’ profession of faith (he was in truth a thief, and was referred to by Jesus as a “devil”), to the parables of Jesus about the true and false “believers” sitting alongside one another. It speaks of Demas, who forsook Paul because he “loved this present world.” As such, he revealed himself to be an enemy of God—“Whoever is a friend of the world is an enemy of God.”
In one case, the author referred to a pastor/friend who was found to be “romantically” involved with another woman. The pastor had made his mind up to divorce his wife and marry the woman. I presume he means that he had been committing adultery. Instead of challenging the man as to the validity of his faith, and therefore warning him that “adulterers will not inherit the kingdom of God,” he spoke of the man’s “loss of rewards.”
I do believe in eternal security for a true convert. He puts his hand to the plow and doesn’t look back, because he is “fit” for the kingdom (Luke 9:62).
Those who are fit for the Kingdom are not hypocrites as was Judas. The true convert is eternally secure in his faith, because his faith in Jesus is genuine rather than false. However, if a man steals, lies, kills, rapes, hates, lusts, covets, commits adultery, etc., and calls himself a Christian, he would be very wise to examine himself and see if he is “in the faith.” The Bible makes it very clear that hypocrites will not inherit the Kingdom of Heaven. If a man has no understanding of true and false conversion (in his ignorance), he may make a calculated decision to forsake a few future eternal rewards and trade them for the immediate and temporary pleasures of sin. His confidence is in an interpretation of scripture that may have eternally tragic repercussions. I think that teaching on true and false conversion would clear the air when it comes to the contentions between two opinions that so often divide the Church. It would bring closer together those who say you can lose your salvation at the drop of a sinful hat, and others who think that Christians can get away with murder and still be assured that they are saved, because they once professed faith in the Savior.
(REPLY) Greetings in Jesus’ name.
Thank you for sending the quotes from Ray Comfort. Yes, we are aware of them. They are plain enough to prove he does, indeed, believe in THE HERESY. As you bolded:
However, if a man steals, lies, kills, rapes, hates, lusts, covets, commits adultery, etc., and calls himself a Christian, he would be very wise to examine himself and see if he is “in the faith.”
In other words, he is NOT saying if one behaves like that he can NOT be a Christian, but that he needs to “examine himself and see if he is ‘in the faith.’”
May people who profess salvation wake up and stop thinking just because a person is popular he is also sound doctrinally. If that was true, then the Pope would be teaching the truth, which we know is FAR from the truth .... GOD BLESS YOU.
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