Made in their own image

[StewardoftheMystery]

I have spent several years posting online in Christian forums, desiring to share with others what the Lord has revealed to me in His Word. And what alarmed me was how so many people have strayed away from the original gospel message. A message of repentance of sin, faith in the power of God to convert a sinner into a saint. A message of being made free from sin by the power of God, and walking in newness of heart, mind, and spirit. A message of walking in righteousness through a spiritual rebirth in Christ.

I was in this one forum, (not naming names); but this forum was filled with all manner of false doctrine. And when I began posting there I was immediatly attacked for speaking the Truth in God’s written words, proving all my points by scripture. This certain “sect” or “cult” that was dominating the forum worked like a pack of wolves, trying to devour the sheep of God as they entered. Paul said he fought with “beasts” at Ephesus, well I’ve fought with beasts in Christian forums.

But this certain sect did not believe in a need to repent of their past or future sins, neither did they believe they needed to stop sinning at all; because they believed the grace of God is like a license to sin. And so I tried to reason with them out of the scriptures what it truly means to be under God’s grace, and what a follower of Jesus Christ really looks like (spiritually speaking) if one truly has the imputted righteousness of Christ working in him. But no matter how many verses of scripture I gave them to prove my points, they always had an excuse not to believe them. They would say those verses do not apply to us, or those verses are out of context, or they would try to twist God words and meanings around in order to fit their own twisted doctrine.

And so the more I posted, the more I was hated by them. They tried twisting my words around, they tried propping up straw man arguements, they tried bringing false accusations against me, they called me all kinds of names. They even said I had a devil; so then it turned into an all out attack on me personally. They even reported me to moderators on a daily basis, trying to have me banned from the site, but they could not make anything stick. To me, their name calling and personal attacks on me was reason enough for them to be banned, but I never reported them. I have never reported anyone on any forum no matter how ugly they got, and I never will. I always believed in letting the Lord take care of those who bring false accusations. Vengeance is the Lord’s, he will repay.

And so anyway, this went on for awhile, and then I thought; I’ll try an experiment. I thought, what if I just make a thread with nothing but the words of God in it, all scripture, none of my own words. And so I did, just to see their reaction. And when I posted the thread with nothing but qoutes from the Holy Bible, their reaction was the same. They cursed, they railed, they said it was not true, they called me names just like before. And this taught me something. It was not me they really hated, it was “the Truth” in God’s Word they hated.

Jesus said something so profound about this in John 7:7 “The world cannot hate you; but me it hates, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.”

So those who are still “of the world”, and those who are still of the “flesh” and “carnally minded” will hate “the Truth” in God’s Word. This explains why they go about to change God’s words and replace them with “their own” words. This is why they try to twist God’s words around, and twist the true meaning of His words around, in order to support a false doctrine. Like Paul said, they changed “the truth” of God into “a lie”, and worshipped and served “the creature” more than the “Creator”.

Instead of believing the power of God is able to transform them into “the righteous image” of the Son of God, they instead are trying to change the image of God into a doctrine made after their own “sinful image”.

God’s Word of Truth is “the express image” of the invisible God. Do not follow after false doctrines that are made in “the image” of sinful man.

Peace and God bless

 

[Waggles]

The verses so many professed Christians love to hate - and why you may well ask?

Mark 16:15 And he said to them, Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation.
16 Who hath believed and is baptized shall be saved; but who hath disbelieved shall be condemned.
17 And these signs shall follow them that have believed: in my name shall they cast out demons, speak with tongues;
18 and in their hands they shall take up serpents, and if they drink aught deadly, it shall in now wise hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
19 So then the Lord Jesus, after he had spoken to them, was taken up into heaven, and sat down at the right hand of God.
20 And THEY went forth, and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word by the signs that followed.

Acts 10:44 While Peter yet spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all that heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision that believed were amazed, who came with Peter, because that on the nations also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can anyone forbid the water, that these should not be baptized, who have received the Holy Spirit as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then asked they him to tarry certain days.

1Cor 14:2 For who speaketh in a tongue speaketh not to men, but to God; for no one heareth; but in spirit he speaketh mysteries.

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

1 Corinthians 13:1-10

King James Version

​

13 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;
6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;
7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.
8 Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.
9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.
10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

1 Corinthians 12

King James Version

​

12 Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.
5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.
6 And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all.
7 But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
8 For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit;
9 To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit;
10 To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
11 But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will.
12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
13 For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
15 If the foot shall say, Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
16 And if the ear shall say, Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body; is it therefore not of the body?
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.
22 Nay, much more those members of the body, which seem to be more feeble, are necessary:
23 And those members of the body, which we think to be less honourable, upon these we bestow more abundant honour; and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness.
24 For our comely parts have no need: but God hath tempered the body together, having given more abundant honour to that part which lacked.
25 That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.
26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.
28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles?
30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret?
31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

 

[God's Truth]

I have spent several years posting online in Christian forums, desiring to share with others what the Lord has revealed to me in His Word. And what alarmed me was how so many people have strayed away from the original gospel message. A message of repentance of sin, faith in the power of God to convert a sinner into a saint. A message of being made free from sin by the power of God, and walking in newness of heart, mind, and spirit. A message of walking in righteousness through a spiritual rebirth in Christ.

I was in this one forum, (not naming names); but this forum was filled with all manner of false doctrine. And when I began posting there I was immediatly attacked for speaking the Truth in God’s written words, proving all my points by scripture. This certain “sect” or “cult” that was dominating the forum worked like a pack of wolves, trying to devour the sheep of God as they entered. Paul said he fought with “beasts” at Ephesus, well I’ve fought with beasts in Christian forums.

But this certain sect did not believe in a need to repent of their past or future sins, neither did they believe they needed to stop sinning at all; because they believed the grace of God is like a license to sin. And so I tried to reason with them out of the scriptures what it truly means to be under God’s grace, and what a follower of Jesus Christ really looks like (spiritually speaking) if one truly has the imputted righteousness of Christ working in him. But no matter how many verses of scripture I gave them to prove my points, they always had an excuse not to believe them. They would say those verses do not apply to us, or those verses are out of context, or they would try to twist God words and meanings around in order to fit their own twisted doctrine.

And so the more I posted, the more I was hated by them. They tried twisting my words around, they tried propping up straw man arguements, they tried bringing false accusations against me, they called me all kinds of names. They even said I had a devil; so then it turned into an all out attack on me personally. They even reported me to moderators on a daily basis, trying to have me banned from the site, but they could not make anything stick. To me, their name calling and personal attacks on me was reason enough for them to be banned, but I never reported them. I have never reported anyone on any forum no matter how ugly they got, and I never will. I always believed in letting the Lord take care of those who bring false accusations. Vengeance is the Lord’s, he will repay.

And so anyway, this went on for awhile, and then I thought; I’ll try an experiment. I thought, what if I just make a thread with nothing but the words of God in it, all scripture, none of my own words. And so I did, just to see their reaction. And when I posted the thread with nothing but qoutes from the Holy Bible, their reaction was the same. They cursed, they railed, they said it was not true, they called me names just like before. And this taught me something. It was not me they really hated, it was “the Truth” in God’s Word they hated.

Jesus said something so profound about this in John 7:7 “The world cannot hate you; but me it hates, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.”

So those who are still “of the world”, and those who are still of the “flesh” and “carnally minded” will hate “the Truth” in God’s Word. This explains why they go about to change God’s words and replace them with “their own” words. This is why they try to twist God’s words around, and twist the true meaning of His words around, in order to support a false doctrine. Like Paul said, they changed “the truth” of God into “a lie”, and worshipped and served “the creature” more than the “Creator”.

Instead of believing the power of God is able to transform them into “the righteous image” of the Son of God, they instead are trying to change the image of God into a doctrine made after their own “sinful image”.

God’s Word of Truth is “the express image” of the invisible God. Do not follow after false doctrines that are made in “the image” of sinful man.

Peace and God bless

That sounds like what I went through on many sites. Those people took a lot of pride in how they would gang up on me and say the foulest things to me and treat me bad. I have debated many doctrines and one of the strangest is the belief that we don't have to obey Jesus' words only Paul's and they claim Paul taught a different gospel of believe only and do nothing else. They would go against me hard and were proud of it. No matter how careful and patient I was to explain the truth to them the worse they got.

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

I have debated many doctrines and one of the strangest is the belief that we don't have to obey Jesus' words only Paul's and they claim Paul taught a different gospel of believe only and do nothing else. They would go against me hard and were proud of it. No matter how careful and patient I was to explain the truth to them the worse they got.

That doctrine is called mid-acts Pauline dispensationalism. I have encountered that as well. The one I referred to in the OP was called “hyper grace”.

There was another one where they believed in a disassociated identity. They believed when they sinned it was only their body that sinned, but their soul and spirit remained squeaky clean. That is how they justified living a sinful lifestyle.

It was like a split personality type disorder. I have heard some crazy doctrines over the years that’s for sure.

 

[God's Truth]

That doctrine is called mid-acts Pauline dispensationalism. I have encountered that as well. The one I referred to in the OP was called “hyper grace”.

There was another one where they believed in a disassociated identity. They believed when they sinned it was only their body that sinned, but their soul and spirit remained squeaky clean. That is how they justified living a sinful lifestyle.

It was like a split personality type disorder. I have heard some crazy doctrines over the years that’s for sure.

You describe so well the beliefs of those people. It is really good to hear about this experience you went through, since it has been my life. It is so strange to be treated as badly as we have been treated by people who are "Christians", and Christians who make a site to debate different beliefs!

Hyper grace is a good way to put it. Did you come up with that definition?
If you ever want to debate anything with me just so you know talking badly and reporting aren’t my way either. It has been a nice change to read your posts and actually gain from your studies and beliefs that are the same as mine.

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

You describe so well the beliefs of those people. It is really good to hear about this experience you went through, since it has been my life. It is so strange to be treated as badly as we have been treated by people who are "Christians", and Christians who make a site to debate different beliefs!

Hyper grace is a good way to put it. Did you come up with that definition?
If you ever want to debate anything with me just so you know talking badly and reporting aren’t my way either. It has been a nice change to read your posts and actually gain from your studies and beliefs that are the same as mine.

Keep in mind, as Paul said, it is the children of the “flesh” that persecute the children of “the Spirit.”

So no matter what they may call themselves, they are still in the “flesh” and are yet “carnally minded”.

And that name “hyper grace” is actually a name for the doctrine they follow. I believe it was spin off of that health, wealth, and prosperity doctrine of certain television evangelists like Joseph Prince. At least that is who they used to quote a lot.

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

Here is what “hyper grace” doctrine is about…..

The term hyper-grace has been used to describe a new wave of teaching that emphasizes the grace of God to the exclusion of other vital teachings such as repentance and confession of sin. Hyper-grace teachers maintain that all sin, past, present, and future, has already been forgiven, so there is no need for a believer to ever confess it. Hyper-grace teaching says that, when God looks at us, He sees only a holy and righteous people. The conclusion of hyper-grace teaching is that we are not bound by Jesus’ teaching, even as we are not under the Law; that believers are not responsible for their sin; and that anyone who disagrees is a pharisaical legalist. In short, hyper-grace teachers “pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality”

 

[God's Truth]

Here is what “hyper grace” doctrine is about…..

The term hyper-grace has been used to describe a new wave of teaching that emphasizes the grace of God to the exclusion of other vital teachings such as repentance and confession of sin. Hyper-grace teachers maintain that all sin, past, present, and future, has already been forgiven, so there is no need for a believer to ever confess it. Hyper-grace teaching says that, when God looks at us, He sees only a holy and righteous people. The conclusion of hyper-grace teaching is that we are not bound by Jesus’ teaching, even as we are not under the Law; that believers are not responsible for their sin; and that anyone who disagrees is a pharisaical legalist. In short, hyper-grace teachers “pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality”

Yep, that is the beliefs of many. That is the belief though of faith alone Christians.

 

[God's Truth]

Keep in mind, as Paul said, it is the children of the “flesh” that persecute the children of “the Spirit.”

So no matter what they may call themselves, they are still in the “flesh” and are yet “carnally minded”.

Exactly.
They can't resist in condemning all who don't have their beliefs, which confirmed to me that they were still condemned. Jesus warns us to be careful how we judge for the measure that we use will be measured to us. They take no warning and teachings from Jesus, though.

And that name “hyper grace” is actually a name for the doctrine they follow. I believe it was spin off of that health, wealth, and prosperity doctrine of certain television evangelists like Joseph Prince. At least that is who they used to quote a lot.

Whenever I have listened to the Word of Faith TV evangelists, they preach some falseness, but, it seemed they did preach to obey...not positive though. Still, I think some of them could be saved if they believe and obey Jesus and not falsely condemn others. Satan does ensnare believers to preach falseness, and the condemnation comes more from condemning others, which seems to go hand in hand with their false teachings, but not always, there are exceptions.

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

Yep, that is the beliefs of many. That is the belief though of faith alone Christians.

I wouldn’t even call that the faith of Christ. They may have faith they can sin all they want and still be saved, but that is not the faith of Christ.

Faith requires one to be faithful.

 

[God's Truth]

I wouldn’t even call that the faith of Christ. They may have faith they can sin all they want and still be saved, but that is not the faith of Christ.

Faith requires one to be faithful.

Right. That is what I am saying. They believe in faith alone. However, God says faith alone is dead and can't save anyone.

 

[Rockerduck]

Hello,

Right. That is what I am saying. They believe in faith alone. However, God says faith alone is dead and can't save anyone.

Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

You see that you are saved by Grace plus nothing. There is nothing you can do. The problem is they aren't Christians

James 2: 20 - But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Most quote this scripture without reading on
James 2:26 - For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James says without the Holy Spirit all your works are dead.

James is talking of the professing faith of the church goers, verses the saving faith of Christ. Any born again Christian begins doing good works out the gate, and begins being conformed to the image of Christ. The are many and I mean alot of church attendees who are not saved Christians, but are members of the church's, Sects, cults, etc. and they are fierce in the defense of their beliefs because they a blinded, veiled by the god of this world.


2 Corinthians 4:3-4 - But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

 

[God's Truth]

Hello,



Ephesians 2:8 - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,

God gives the gift to HIS CHILDREN.

We have to become a child of God's first to receive the gift.

Grace is that we no longer have to do the purification/ceremonial works of the law anymore, for faith that Jesus' blood purifies us is what purifies us now.

We still have to obey and repent of our sins, we just don't have to get circumcised and sacrifice animals anymore.

You see that you are saved by Grace plus nothing. There is nothing you can do.

There is something we can do! We are to do what Jesus says to do to get saved and to stay saved.

The problem is they aren't Christians

Who aren't Christians?

Being saved by grace does NOT mean we don't have to do anything.

Being saved by grace means Jesus purifies us just by our believing he does.

Who does Jesus purify?

He purifies those who repent of their sins to him.

James 2: 20 - But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? Most quote this scripture without reading on
James 2:26 - For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. James says without the Holy Spirit all your works are dead.

That is NOT what that scripture means.
Faith without works is dead just as the body without the spirit is dead.

James is speaking about the spirit of the human, not the Holy Spirit.

All humans have their own spirit and that is given to us at conception and it is what makes us grow.

James is talking of the professing faith of the church goers, verses the saving faith of Christ. Any born again Christian begins doing good works out the gate, and begins being conformed to the image of Christ.

Faith alone is dead and cannot save anyone.
A person has to repent of their sins first.

I know a lot of people who believe in Jesus and go on sinning as always.

I believed in God as long as I can remember and was not saved until I was an adult who repent of my sins.

The are many and I mean alot of church attendees who are not saved Christians, but are members of the church's, Sects, cults, etc. and they are fierce in the defense of their beliefs because they a blinded, veiled by the god of this world.

Could you explain more what you mean?

2 Corinthians 4:3-4 - But even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing, 4 whose minds the god of this age has blinded, who do not believe, lest the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine on them.

Who but the god of this world would be behind our not repenting of our sins to get saved?

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

Here is a simple way to show that we are first called by God, but it takes a response on our part.

Notice what Jesus says below…..

Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

Our body is like a house/temple and the door to enter into our house is our heart/mind. We do not go to Jesus’ house and knock, Jesus first comes to our house and knocks on our door.

Jesus knocking at our heart is God first calling us to open our hearts to Him and to His words. But we must respond to that call by opening our hearts and minds to let Him in, so He can dwell in us.

Many will hear the knock on their door, but will not open the door to their heart to allow Jesus to come in. Just as many are called, but few are chosen.

Over time you will learn that not only did God first call you, and gave you the “ears to hear” the knock and the voice of Jesus at the door, but He also knew you would open the door to let Him in, even before you were born.

 

[God's Truth]

Here is a simple way to show that we are first called by God, but it takes a response on our part.

Notice what Jesus says below…..

Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”

Our body is like a house/temple and the door to enter into our house is our heart/mind. We do not go to Jesus’ house and knock, Jesus first comes to our house and knocks on our door.

Jesus knocking at our heart is God first calling us to open our hearts to Him and to His words. But we must respond to that call by opening our hearts and minds to let Him in, so He can dwell in us.

Many will hear the knock on their door, but will not open the door to their heart to allow Jesus to come in. Just as many are called, but few are chosen.

Over time you will learn that not only did God first call you, and gave you the “ears to hear” the knock and the voice of Jesus at the door, but He also knew you would open the door to let Him in, even before you were born.

Jesus draws all, but not all come.
No one has ears to hear until they first obey.

 

[StewardoftheMystery]

Jesus draws all, but not all come.
No one has ears to hear until they first obey.

Right, he first calls, but not all come.
But without the hearing you would not receive the gift of faith to obey.

Who makes the hearing ear?

Proverbs 20:12
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord has made even both of them.

Notice the hearing comes before faith, and the hearing comes “by” the Word of God.

Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh “by” hearing, and hearing “by” the word of God.

 

[God's Truth]

Right, he first calls, but not all come.

Right. But, he calls all.

But without the hearing you would not receive the gift of faith to obey.

That is Lutheranism and Calvinism and it is false.
Some kind of false mumbo jumbo.
The gift of faith to obey?
All humans have the ability to obey.
Faith comes from hearing the gospel by reading it.
We don't understand the gospel until we trust what Jesus says to do and just do it.

Who makes the hearing ear?

Proverbs 20:12
The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the Lord has made even both of them.

That is about God creating humans.

Notice the hearing comes before faith, and the hearing comes “by” the Word of God.

Romans 10:17
So then faith cometh “by” hearing, and hearing “by” the word of God.

The hearing is NOT the understanding.

Let's keep talking about it. I want to show you.

 

[God's Truth]

@StewardoftheMystery
We do not get faith supernaturally, as many teach, but we get faith in a very human way, from reading the supernatural message.

Where does our faith come from, how do we come to believe? Our faith/belief comes from HEARING the word, see Romans 10:17. From hearing the word and being TAUGHT, Colossians 1:5, 7. From continuing in what we have been CONVINCED of, see 2 Timothy 3:14, and being PERSUADED, 2 Corinthians 5:11.