I am a retired pastor of
the Church of God (Tennessee). My name is Isaac Livingston. I am from Neyyoor India. |
Email: Pastor True Gospel
God tells us to become holy as he is holy. It is possible for us to live a holy life, by his grace and power. God became a man and showed us how we should live our lives. There is proof in the bible that people lived holy lives. We can be converted also to live as Jesus Christ, since other people lived, according to the bible.
God became a man and showed us how to live godly life. He called some people to follow him and others not to follow. He said that some are not worthy of him, and told some to witness for him. He tells us to become holy and perfect as he is holy and perfect. Most of us will not become holy. But a few of us will become holy and perfect. If you want to become holy and perfect, then please listen to this lesson carefully. If you don't want to become holy and perfect, then listen to this lesson more carefully. This is a very good message. It will not hurt you. If you love God, he will love you, and you can live his life.
Isaiah 6:3 says that the seraphim worship God: "And one cried unto another, and said, Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: Revelation 4:8 says, … they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty..." It seems that God's main attribute is holiness. "1 Peter 1:15 But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16 because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy." Holiness is extreme purity. God wants us to be in the same purity as he is. Is it possible for us to live like God in holiness? Yes, it is possible because God has made us in his own image. "Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness:.. 27 So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him;" Our souls are created in the image of the soul of God; that is, our soul is identical to the soul of God, which has the ability to live in holiness. Further the Bible has proof that there were people lived in holiness and it says that we can also live in holiness. "2 Corinthians 6:17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." It is possible for us to detach ourselves from the sources of sin, which are unclean things of the world; then God will accept us as his sons/daughters, and he will give us grace and power that is needed to live a godly life. "1 Thessalonians 4:7 says For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness." If God has called us, he will provide all that we need to live a holy life.
Links for your study of relative topics: "Righteous", "Sinless." Thank you.
God tells us to be holy. Most of us think that it is impossible for us to live a holy life. Some of us challenge the idea of a man becoming holy without even realizing that God is the one telling us to be holy. The Bible says that we begin to sin at our youth. However, God is telling sinners, not to commit sin anymore and to live a holy life. Jesus Christ tells us to follow him. So, it must be possible to follow his steps. "1 Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:" Everybody cannot do what the bible says. But a few will follow him. Why don't you be, one of the few. Let me give a few examples from the bible that people have lived a holy life.
"Acts 3:21 says ---, God hath spoken by the mouth of all his holy prophets. 2 Peter 1:21 says --- holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." God has inspired the scriptures through holy men. They were ordinary men like you and me, lived a holy life and were used by God. "Ephesians 3:5… it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; Revelation 18:20 .. ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her." The apostles were ordinary fishermen, and tax collector, became disciples of Jesus and were made apostles. They became holy. "1 Thessalonians 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:" Apostle Paul and the workers with him were living holy lives. "Revelation 20:6 says, "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection:" Jesus Christ is coming again to receive those that are holy, from both dead and alive. If the second coming of Jesus Christ is certain, it is also certain that there are holy people on earth waiting for his coming. These people and some of us, are now living holy lives for the second coming; and so, it is possible that you can also live a holy life.
It appears impossible, but still we can become perfect,
because of the grace of God.
People
think that nobody can become perfect. But it is God who makes his
people perfect. God can and he will. But the fact is; it is a hard task to live a perfect life for anybody and
everybody. Christians try again and again, but only to find that
they fail.
Most preachers say that we cannot do it. Yes, we cannot do it, with our own power.
Yet, Jesus says in
Genesis 6:9&22 say, "9 Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. 22 Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him." The Bible says that Noah was just (righteous), perfect and most of all, he walked with God. Most preachers find fault with Noah in drinking wine, in the privacy of his tent, etc. The word of God says that Noah obeyed all that God commanded him. God did not tell him that he should not drink wine. So, it is not sin that he drank wine. Preachers think that he should not have. Who cares? He obeyed God in all, and so, he was perfect.
God himself challenged the devil saying that Job lived a perfect life. Job 1:8 says: "And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?" The Word of God says that Job has not committed sin. Job 1:22 says: "In all this Job sinned not," But, the so called four friends of Job, accused Job; and the wrath of God was kindled on them. So also, our preachers accuse Job on many things, giving hands to the devil; and the wrath of God will be upon them also. Bible says that Abraham, King Hezekiah, and a few others lived perfect lives before God. But preachers find faults with them. So also, if you walk perfect before God, by his grace and power, people will find fault with you. But never mind; God will be okay with you.
Philippians 3:15 says: "Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded:" Apostle Paul speaks to them, who were already perfect in the Church. This proves that there were perfect people in the Church. 1 Corinthians 2:6 says: "Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect:" The apostle was rebuking Corinthian Church for its sins. In the middle of the rebuke, he recognizes that there were perfect people in the Church. You can be also perfect among others. It is up to you.
Purpose of God in Church is to have perfect believers even to the measure of the perfection of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, most Churches teach evasive false doctrines saying that man cannot become perfect. Ephesians 4 says: "11) And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: 13) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:." Here, the responsibility of the church is to bring the people to the fullness of Christ. Our churches and pastors don't even know it.
Ephesians 5 says: "25) --- Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26) That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27) That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish." The Church must be the Bride of Christ, without spot, wrinkle, or any such thing, which means that the Church must be perfect and holy. 2 Corinthians 11: says: "2) For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3) But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." Apostle Paul wants to present the church as a chaste virgin to Christ. The simplicity of Christ is to accept only a chaste virgin as his bride, and no other. But preachers call sinners to come as they are to be his bride. Colossians 1:28 says: "Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:" The very purpose of ministry is to present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.
There are new earth (paradise) and new heaven, in eternity. The gospel that is preached for eternal life is to obtain the kingdom of God, which is new heaven. If those who strive for eternal life in new heaven fail, they may also enter new earth, which is paradise. But the gospel is not preached for new earth, where there is no inheritance. What I try to say is this: Try to obey God perfectly. If you are sincere, God will give you grace and power, and you will succeed. In case you missed new heaven, you will attain paradise, that is also heaven, where there is eternal joy. So, strive to be perfect. You will not regret it.
In "
Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me." The young man has fulfilled the basic commandments already. He asked what he could do more. Jesus told him that if he wants to be perfect, do such and such things. It was only a choice, but it is not mandatory. If he becomes perfect, he will have treasure in heaven, which is eternal life with inheritance, that is the status of the sons of God. If he could not make it, he will not be pushed to hell, but he will be taken into paradise, the new earth.(An additional note that is not in the video: "Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. 24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God." Because of these verses, many Christians throw this young man in hell, since they are already brain washed by the teaching of preachers. Here, Jesus says that it is very unlikely that a rich man enter the "Kingdom of Heaven", where they shall have treasure in heaven (Matthew 19:21); which refers to the status of the Sons of God and the bride of Christ. The rich people may not enter New Heaven or Heavenly Zion; but they are eligible to enter Paradise, where they will have no treasure or inheritance, but they will have joy and comfort. Nobody should void any scripture verses; in this case we should not void Matthew 19:16-20. In these verses, he has already fulfilled the requirement for New Earth (Paradise). He thought that he could do more, and asked Jesus about it. But when he saw what was required, he backed off. Where it says in the Bible that if he backed off from the higher level, he will lose the one that he already has? No, he will not. Jesus Christ tells to count the cost and decide what we must do. He counted the cost, and found that it was too much for him, and so, he backed off from the higher level. But, he did not forsake the one he has. So, having gained Paradise, please be encouraged to try for the better. If you decided to back of from the higher level, since it will be too much for you, or even if you gave it a try and fail in the your attempt, you will not lose Paradise. If you succeed, you will be in New Heaven. So, try for the better, and at the same time hold on to the one you have already gained.)
Jesus was telling how much they must endure and sacrifice to become a disciple to him. It will be possible for only to a very few. That is in Luke 14:26&27. In 28 Jesus says, "For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it?" That is, if you cannot afford to be a disciple, don't take it. But, count the cost to know what you can do. You may be a helper, a witness, and so on. But do not rebel against God. If you humble yourself and work as a helper, or even if you strive to be a disciple and fall short, paradise will be waiting for you.
In Matthew 7, Jesus Christ says: "13) Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: 14) Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it." Here, Jesus Christ tells us to strive diligently to enter eternal life. Strait means tight, that we must squeeze ourselves to get through the strait gate. "15) Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Here, Jesus Christ cautions us to beware of false teachers. They would appear outwardly good, but would be inwardly evil, deceptively teaching false doctrines that lead to spiritual death. These false teachings are sugar-coated poison. Beware of them and be fully aware that the churches are infiltrated with messengers of Satan. When Jesus Christ came to the world, there were almost no true servants of God in the temple. Jesus Christ says in Luke 18:8 "... Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" It appears that the time has come that almost all preachers are false in churches. They tell us not to strive, and say, we are not saved by works. Churches have the easy way of salvation, which is the "wide gate, and broad way, that leadeth to destruction." Jesus Christ says this.
Eternal life or everlasting life or heaven, is the heavenly life that godly people will continue to have in the presence of God without an end. However, there are different levels in heaven. The thief on the cross was converted and died. He got no opportunity to live a godly life and he got to paradise. It is the first level in eternal life. If we live a holy life as a son/daughter of God, as in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, we will be sons of God, and will receive the same glory as Jesus Christ has. If we live a perfect holy life, we will be in the status of the bride of Christ, to be with him throughout eternity. Every status is eternal life, escaping hell. Strive and enter the strait (tight) and narrow gate; you will not miss eternal life. Matthew 5:12 says, "Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven." We see in the Bible that the worldly prophets were received well by the people and the true godly prophets are always persecuted and are killed. But God will give them heavenly glory in eternity. 1 Corinthians 3: 8 says, "every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour." So, Strive and enter.
Note: If any point needs explanation, OR, if you find
an error according to scripture,
Please write to me in the 'Mail Box' below. I will
reply promptly. Thanks.
A few links for detailed study: "Inherit Kingdom", "Saved by Works".
God Bless You
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Matthew 28:20, & Mark 16:15. Jesus Christ preached his commandments to obey, as his
Gospel; it is the true Gospel to inherit Eternal life. Genesis 3:1-4 & 2 Corinth 11:2-4. But Preachers, who are Serpents of Satan, preach the life of man Jesus just to believe, but not to live as a chaste virgin, as the gospel; it is another gospel, which cannot and will not give Eternal life.The true gospel will convert evil people to do good and thereby they will inherit the kingdom in heaven
. John 3:19-21 say that people are two kinds, evil and true. Evil doers will not come to the Light, who is God; but people of truth come to God for their deeds to be made manifest. We have good and evil people by our standard of our society or culture. These evil people may be converted to be doers of truth by the power of God, and they may inherit the kingdom of God in heaven.
Email: Pastor True Gospel