What Gospel are You Hearing? The gospel of inclusion/universal salvation

6 I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. Galatians 1:6-7 NKJV

16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile Romans 1:16 NLT


 In the recent weeks, we've been in a detailed study concerning the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We asked the question what gospel have you been hearing. We've seen that the Gospel isn't a hopeless or discouraging message. The message of the Gospel isn't a sad message of all we must do to earn His love and acceptance. It's not  political pablum or angry tidings of how God is going to get you at the slightest moment you miss it. The Gospel is good news.

Again, what is the Gospel?

 Let's review what we've already established is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The English word that is translated Gospel in the New Testament is the Greek word "Euaggelion". It is defined as the glad tidings of salvation through Christ. The proclamation of the Grace of God manifest and pledged in Christ. This is the good news Gospel. It's glad tidings of total salvation in and through Christ. Any other message or tidings or proclamation are not the Gospel of the Grace of Almighty God.

 The Gospel is a pure, unadulterated, triumphant message of hope, victory, revealing the gracious goodness of our Father in Heaven. The Word of God reveals the great lengths the early Church and Apostles took to preserve the authentic Gospel. Many tried to pollute or tamper with the Gospel for their own agendas. On many occasions, Paul the Apostle brought correction to rid the Gospel from any mixture of Law and works. He also worked in conjunction with the other Apostles to remove additives to the Gospel. 

The Gospel, free from mixture and additives

 What do I mean by additives? Additives are ideas, philosophies, and traditions of men added to the Gospel message. I see many who've received the true Gospel of Grace. They are quick to protect the Gospel from any mixture, and rightly so. They will publicly voice opposition to any mixture, in their pulpits, on their social media status and in their interactions with others. Yet when it comes to additives many are conspicuously silent.

The "gospel" of inclusionism/Universalism

 These philosophies and ideologies of man under the banner of universal salvation are additives to the true Gospel of Grace. These unScriptural ideas have no place in the message of the Cross and Finished Work. Inclusionism and Universalism or similar ideas, that proclaim all humanity is already saved, but unaware, or will eventually be saved, are false teachings, and philosophies birthed by the spirit of error.

Does God's love and Grace mean we accept untruth?

 Are we unloving and ungracious because we don't accept any error in the Gospel message? It seems we are more unloving toward those who've yet to receive the truth when we remain silent on the matter of additives to the Gospel. If we refuse to take a bold stand for the truth of the Gospel of Grace for fear or concern that we will lose popularity or fear that some doors of opportunity to be invited to minister will be closed to us, it only proves our trust is in ourselves and in man and not resting in God.

Isn't universal salvation the truly good news of Grace?

 This is how this deceptive message draws people in. It sounds like good news. It seems reasonable to our own minds so therefore it must be true. Surely, it would be great that all the World would come receive the good news, but that is the key. Receive. God and His goodness aren't wiping out the free will of humanity. Forced marriage or arranged marriage isn't loving it is forced, it's bondage. 

 What about all those passages that seem to say all are saved? First, there exist no passage where it says all humanity is saved. Secondly, poor exegesis and wrongly dividing the Word is how people come up with their view. Here is an example.

10 For to this end we both labor and suffer reproach,because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 1 Timothy 4:10 NKJV

 See it's right there. It appears to some at first glance that this passage is preaching inclusion or universalism. In full context, it says something entirely different. Paul was encouraging and exhorting Timothy in his ministry. He was encouraging Timothy to persevere in tough times and remember this Gospel is to all mankind, male or female, Jew or Gentile.

 Note that passage didn't say Jesus was Savior but God. Why is this significant? Because it further proves this isn't universal salvation because of the Cross but it reveals that only in God, the one true God, is there salvation and hope. Weren't we all included in the Cross? The Finished Work took away the sin of the World, therefore all humanity is in Christ and saved right?

 Paul says otherwise. 

7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. Romans 16:7 NKJV

Paul says others were in Christ before he was. This smashes this idea of inclusionism. Paul in Ephesians reveals when we were included. 

13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, Ephesians 1:13 NIV

We were included when we believed. The message is good news we don't need additives to make the good news "better".

Inclusionism and Universalism insult the Spirit of Grace!

Look at Hebrews chapter ten. In this chapter, we see the beauty of the Finished Work. Though the warning portions of this chapter aren't teaching a believer can lose or forfeit salvation it does clarify the Gospel and assists in proving that universal salvation false.

 Look closely in full context of the warning portion here. The key warning here is that there is salvation only in the Finished Work of Christ and not in anything else. Imagine if you will, being atop a high cliff. Picture a deep, deep, gulf between the cliff you're on and the one across from you. Imagine Jesus is on the other side. There is no way to cross over. Suddenly you see He has fashioned a wooden bridge for you to cross. 

 You could simply cross. Nothing you did, you didn't deserve it, you didn't earn it or achieve it, He did it all. Your response is simply to cross. What if, however, you say "no Jesus, I'm not worthy. I must build my own bridge", so you go looking for wood to get busy building your bridge. That is the legalistic way to approach God. What if instead, you said, "Jesus there really exists no gulf between us. This separation is only mental and imagined, everyone is ok." This is the Universalists way.

 If we are taking the Gospel and placing additives in it we are going about establishing our own righteousness. 

...and has insulted the Spirit of grace? Hebrews 10:29b NASB

 Inclusion says all humanity is already saved but they don't know it. What if one doesn't awaken to the truth? Well, then he would be lost at the end. So there is no eternal security? 

 The inclusion folk now have remedied this problem. Hell no longer exists. When this man made idea gains popularity, you see the fruit. The proponents of this message go about establishing their own standard of right and wrong. Anything is acceptable and nothing is wrong. 

 The Gospel is good news. The Gospel is Jesus plus nothing. It is not Jesus plus works or performance. It isn't Jesus plus the additives of error and false teachings. It isn't a message where there exists no morality. The Gospel is good enough without adding to it enticing words of men's wisdom. 

 Don't take the amazing out of Grace. Don't mix the Gospel with Law and works and don't put additives of error into it. Mankind was lost and dead in trespasses and sins. We were destined to spend eternity separated from God. This state wasn't imaginary or a mental misunderstanding or blindness, we were spiritually dead, but God sent His only begotten Son and paid the perfect price for our complete redemption. He forever took away the punishment of sins in His own body on that Cross. All we need to do is respond and put our trust in His once for all sacrifice and receive new life, righteousness, and an eternally secure salvation.

Understanding Grace: Is Radical Grace preaching a "Different Gospel"?

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

 We have been in a continual study concerning the Radical Grace of Almighty God. Up to now we've seen how Grace has redeemed us, forgave us and brought us complete peace. We have also begun allaying myths and misnomers often linked to the teaching of Radical Grace. 

 Today, it seemed good to continue addressing the misnomer from our last post, that the Radical Grace of God is some false teaching. Many consider Radical Grace as some "different gospel" we have concocted in order to placate our flesh or Earthly sensual desires. Is the Radical Grace of God a false gospel or different gospel?

What Scripturally constitutes false teaching?

 The Bible is the source of all truth and wisdom. It reveals to us the true perimeters of what false teaching really is. Allow me to say this. Some traditional ministries would be quick to hurl the accusation of false teaching on those who believe in the Gifts of the Spirit for today. If one prays in other tongues or prays for the sick to be healed they might be labeled as false brethren. In order to distinguish between true and false teaching, we must lay aside petty doctrinal issues. 

 The Scriptures are pretty clear on what actual false teaching consists of. The criteria to meet false teaching is a denial of the basic foundations of Christianity. Allow me to list what the Scriptures referenced as false.

Denial of the deity of Jesus

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God John 1:1-2 NKJV

 22 And who is a liar? Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ. Anyone who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist.23 Anyone who denies the Son doesn’t have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the Father also. 1 John 2:22-23 NLT

 Jesus is God in the flesh. Any denial of the deity of Jesus is a denial of Him and the Father. Without the deity of Christ, there would be no perfect redemption.

Denying that Jesus became a man

16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory. 1 Timothy 3:16 NKJV 

2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that  Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. John 4:2-3 NKJV

 The denial that God became a man again takes away from the perfect redemption of Christ. God became a man to bear all of our sins in His body. If He were mere spirit how could He die for us taking the full penalty for our sins? 

Denying the Resurrection of Christ and the Believer

12 Now if Christ is preached that He has been raised from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins! 1 Corinthians 15:12-17

 It is clear that if we deny Jesus resurrection and the eventual resurrection of the Believer we do away with the perfect redemption we have in Christ. I hope you noticed how all false teaching leads us away from the glorious redemption we have in Christ.

Altering the simple gospel of Christ

16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all Romans 4:16 NKJV

26 For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:26 NKJV

 Finally, we see that any ideology altering the gospel message is a false teaching. Universalism/inclusion alter the gospel by saying all humanity is in Christ, adopted, righteous and born again. This takes the amazing out of Grace. Paul clearly states this. He declared it is by faith that it might be by grace. 

 In summation, all false teaching denies the person of Jesus, His deity, His resurrection and plan for salvation. False teaching points to other avenues of salvation or redemption. Is the Radical Grace gospel a fake or false gospel then?

8 Anyone who comes to you with a different message than the grace gospel that you have received will have the curse of God come upon them! For even if we or an angel appeared before you, to give you a different gospel than what we have already proclaimed, God’s curse will be upon them! 9 I will make it clear: Anyone, no matter who they are, that brings you a different gospel than the grace gospel that you have received, let them be condemned and cursed! Galatians 1:8-9 Passion Translation
Paul is very clear that there is only one gospel, the gospel of Grace. In reality, those who oppose the Radical Grace of God are the ones preaching a different gospel. 

Again I say to you...

 It is clear that the Scriptures promote the Radical Grace of Almighty God. Yet no matter how many times we teach the truth the insecure and performance minded still object to the simple gospel. The legalistic, performance focused, effort driven mindset will only accept a "gospel" of rewards and ribbons. The Grace gospel rests in Jesus accomplishments, not our striving or attempts to gain status among men.

 

 Paul addressed the concept of a gospel of rewards and status.

16 we know full well that we don’t receive God’s perfect righteousness as a reward for keeping the law, but by the faith of Jesus the Messiah! His faithfulness, not ours, has saved us, and we have received God’s perfect righteousness. Now we know that God accepts no one by the keeping of religious laws, but by the gift of grace!” Galatians 2:16 Passion Translation

 Is Radical Grace a different gospel? No, it is the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is the message of God becoming a man to rescue and restore His creation that was lost and doomed to an eternal separation from Him. It was God giving His Son in order to gain a Family. It was God in Christ taking all the pain, punishment and peril for all humanity. It is the understanding that there is nothing we can do to earn or achieve this salvation that He freely gives to those who simply receive. Grace is the gospel! 

Understanding Grace: Does Radical Grace encourage a belief in Universalism or Inclusionism?

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18
  We've been in a series studying God's amazing, over the top, Radical Grace. This is too good to be true but true good news. I am always enthusiastic when it comes to studying Grace and the Finished Work. 

 So far, we have seen how it is the Blood of Christ, not our confession that brought our total forgiveness. We explored the truth that our relationship with God is rooted in the Finished Work and not our performance. We saw how shame, guilt and condemnation are removed from us through Grace, (If you missed any of these informative studies, and you would be interested in reading them, you can easily locate them through the archives section of this Blog). 

 Now we are dispelling some of the myths associated with Radical Grace. We have already seen that Radical Grace isn't advocating sinful living. We also discovered that through His Finished Work we can be fruitful, overcoming victorious believers. That This message isn't promoting laziness or unfruitful pursuits.  

 Today, I felt impressed to dispel yet another myth associated with Radical Grace. Many of our critics have lumped together what great ministers like Pastor Joseph Prince teach, and what those proclaiming a message of Universal Salvation teach. Thus, creating a straw man argument in which to criticize the message of Radical Grace even further. Is this critique fair? Does Radical Grace encourage a belief in Universalism or the various forms of Inclusion? 

 Allow me to be crystal clear. Radical Grace does NOT encourage or promote a belief in or following of the ideologies of Universalism or Inclusion.  Just because some misguided or deceived individuals have taken a portion of the message of Radical Grace and applied it to the concept of Inclusion or Universalism, doesn't mean it's become the authentic message of Radical Grace. Truth mixed with error is still an error. 

Is Jesus really narrow-minded?

 One of the major principles of Universalism is that all humanity no matter their belief, are on the right path. That in the end, all roads lead to God. If you are an Atheist, or a follower of some other religion it isn't a factor. All will eventually be saved. Is this what Jesus said? Is Universalism the gospel of Grace?

6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 NLT

11 For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says,‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ 12 There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:11-12 NLT

 Jesus, who is the person of Grace, obviously doesn't believe in Universalism. He seems pretty narrow when He unequivocally states there is only one way to God. He says He is the only means by which salvation is received. 

 Salvation is not found in Paganism. Salvation is not found in Mysticism. It is not found in other religions or ideologies. All the World's religious, or spiritual philosophies have something in common. They are all humanistic in nature. "Paradise", or "enlightenment" or "Nirvana" or even their understanding of salvation is all rooted in achievement and works. 

 This is why we reject legalism and Law for Believers in Christ. "Strive to arrive." "Fake it 'till you make it", or "achieve to receive"mindsets are pure humanism. Salvation is only found in Christ and His Finished Work. Righteousness, healing and peace and answered prayer is all found in the Finished Work, not our performance. 

 Salvation then is only found in Jesus Christ. He purchased redemption through His vicarious death on Calvary. All one need do is freely receive by placing all their hope and trust in Jesus alone. Salvation, eternal life, is Jesus plus nothing. 

Who is included in the Finished Work?

 When discussing a subject we should always draw the right conclusions. In light of the Finished Work, many come to the conclusion that all of Humanity are included in the death and burial and resurrection of Christ. Is the concept of inclusionism the right conclusion we draw from the Finished Work? 

When were we included?

  This is where the controversy begins. This is where so many draw the wrong conclusions. In light of the Finished Work, some have drawn a conclusion all were included the moment Christ actually rose from the dead. Is this accurate?

 Let's review the main tenets of inclusionism (with thanks to Paul Ellis)

1. Humanity has been raised, has ascended, and is now seated with Christ

“When Jesus rose, all humanity rose to new life with him; when Jesus ascended, all humanity ascended and became seated with him at the Father’s side.”

2. Humanity is righteous/justified

“Through Jesus, all humans are justified through the faith of Christ… Objectively, all people, past, present and future, are justified already …”

3. Humanity is sanctified

“All are sanctified.”

4. Humanity is reconciled/in union with Christ

“All humans—believers and non-believers—are united to God in and through Jesus… Through union with Jesus, all humanity is… reconciled to the Father…

5. Humanity is not lost but saved

“Through Jesus, all humans are… at peace with God, standing in his grace… (and) saved through Jesus’ life.”

 One last concept that has been gaining traction among the inclusion followers

6. All Humanity has been adopted into the Family of God

 Are these concepts accurate? Is this the message of Radical Grace? Absolutely not! If you are adhering to these views I urge you, I beseech you, by grace to examine your heart. I challenge you to relinquish acceptance of these ideas. Understand the Believer's heart can never again be corrupted but it can be deceived. 

 When are we included? Let's see what Paul says

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:, 12 in order that we, who were the first to put our hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory. 13 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, Ephesians 1:1,12-13,15 NIV

 Paul, the Apostle of Grace says here we were included when we put our faith and trust in Christ. This is the message of Radical Grace. Undeserving man, when he places faith and trust in God alone, he finds new life. He becomes a partaker of Grace.

 When were we included in His death and burial and resurrection?

3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection,  Romans 6:3-5 NKJV

 When we get born again, we are baptized in the Body of Christ. This is when we were included into the death and resurrection of Christ. 

27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:27 NKJV

The Word is clear about when we were included.

7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was. Romans 16:7 NIV

How could Paul the Apostle of Grace state some were in Christ before he was if ALL are already in Christ? Remember when we take a text out of its context all that is left is a con. Inclusionism is a preconceived concept that looks to extrapolate portions of Scripture, out of context, to promote this philosophy. 

 Inclusion seeks to become God's "PR" man. It attempts to prove the success of the Finished Work. To the inclusionist the Finished Work isn't successful unless all humanity is saved. Again, this is drawing the wrong conclusion about the Finished Work.

 The message of Radical Grace is over the top glad news. The good news is not diminished because some choose to reject Jesus. The message of Grace doesn't dim in light of the choices of mankind. 

 We need not add to or take away from the Scripture to promote erroneous views. Grace is good news without additives and mixture. Religious tradition likes to mix grace with Law. Foolishness likes to mix the gospel truth with error. The message of Radical Grace stands alone and apart from human ideas, concepts and philosophies. It is simply the good news that sets the captives free, brings the spiritually dead to life and ushers in hope, joy and fullness of life in Him.  

 imagecourtesyofIosphere@freedigitalphotos.net

Understanding Grace: Is Everyone Ok because of the Finished Work?

18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and forever. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

Drawing the right conclusions

 When presented with certain information and facts, inevitably we draw a conclusion from those facts. For example, what if a wife sees her husband continually begin to take calls in another room? She could come to the conclusion that he was secretly having an affair. Or, she could more positively conclude, that her husband is planning a surprise party for her. She would have to have more facts to come to a complete conclusion. 

 When it comes to the Finished Work of Jesus Christ we can draw certain conclusions. One conclusion I draw from the Cross is because it's finished I need no longer to strive to please God. Many who have experienced His grace have come to this same conclusion. Others though have drawn a different conclusion because of the Finished Work.

 Because of the finality of the Cross, some have concluded that all humanity is already saved. Some conclude that because of the Cross, "Love wins" and this means all humanity will be saved in the end. If another believer, who understands grace, doesn't draw these same conclusions then it must mean you're not "deep enough" in grace. That you are preaching "mixture". That you believe in an angry god and have no pity for the World.

 What makes the Finished Work "unfinished," or unsuccessful?

 Religious minded folk, Covenant mixing and Law mixing believers say the Finished Work is only begun in us. They teach a "gospel" where we must complete it by our performance.  Now these Universalist and Inclusionists say the work is unsuccessful if all humanity aren't redeemed and given the gift of righteousness. So, Jesus' work is only successful based upon how many respond?

 I have heard the two Adam debate and all other arguments made by the Inclusion and Universalist camps. They refute others with accusations that we who don't accept their view, are saying Adam's original sin was greater than Jesus' work. I am not here to debate and argue with those who differ with me. My primary goal is to reveal to all that God is always good. That His grace and Finished Work was enough. When received, you become a new creation, accepted, adopted, forgiven and healed. Eternally secure and forever righteous. 

 As I have stated many times before, I do not agree or draw the same conclusions of Inclusion or Universal Salvation. I will list a few reasons why this is. Also, I am going to refer to others excellent points proving why we shouldn't come to the conclusions of Universalism/Inclusion.

 Trinitarian Theology/Inclusionism, (not the doctrine of the Divine Trinity, or Father, Son and Holy Ghost, I believe in the Trinity), is the label inclusionism has taken to describe their philosophy. In a nutshell they teach that all humanity is already a new creation. That all humanity possesses the gift of righteousness, is adopted into the Family of God, is seated in Heavenly places with God, and has the Spirit of God indwelling them. 

This is my issue with this. It overrides freewill. In other words, you are all in, until you are out. It alters the gospel message. It isn't believe and be saved but you're saved, now believe it. So the gospel is no longer about a heart change. It is not an exchange of natures, but rather a mental awakening to a new identity. 

 What Inclusionism/Universalism relies heavily upon is enticing words of men's wisdom to propagate it. Conclusions are based upon reasoning and emotions. It feels like this should be true so therefore it is true. With this mindset the Scriptures are no longer inerrant. 

 Those who embrace these philosophies no longer value the Scripture. They diminish them every opportunity they get. Why? Because the Word of God challenges their reasoning and philosophy.  I have seen countless times, the proponents of this message attack the Word. They express continually that the writers of the Scriptures were mistaken and confused. They didn't hear God accurately. They are expedient however, to reveal how they are accurate though. That they have the "real message" from God. 

 Another aspect I have noted in the Inclusion circles is a slow transformation into pure Universalism. When we abandon the Word and embrace other reasoning error will always abound. With this allow me to point you to other ministers who have answered the arguments of Inclusion/Universalism

"Top Reasons I think “Inclusion” is delusion

4. The many warnings in Scripture about the importance of repentance, belief, calling on the name of the Lord, and the present and eternal consequences of unbelief. This includes the many passages about a place of punishment and some who do end up there.

3. Every passage about those who believed and received the Spirit (didn’t have Him before!) in the early church, and every conversion experience in history since then. One moment they were not new creations; the next moment they were. Clearly, we do not have the Spirit at birth, or the entire book of Acts needs to be re-written!

2. Many verses like 1 John 1:9 and Acts 26:18 and 2 Corinthians 5:20 that say forgiveness from God is received only after admitting one’s sinfulness and turning from unbelief to belief (at salvation) and that reconciliation takes two parties with a response on our part being necessary. Take a minute to look those passages up and ponder them.

1. The doctrine of “Inclusion” either promotes salvation of all for eternity, no matter what, or in more cases, claims that all begin saved but not all end up saved. So either it tosses Scriptural warnings about unbelief to the wind and gives false security to all; or it ignores God’s promises to the believer and teaches loss of salvation for some in the end. Either way, it’s not the new covenant message."Grace minister from Texas

" I don’t see the Good News in the inclusionist theory, nor do I see the advantage that theory supposes when it comes grace. Theologians must ask themselves the question, “is Christ’s work finished because of its success performed in humanity, or is it finished because there is nothing left to be done for man?”  The difference is not so subtle.  I don’t believe my position of grace is less because I believe in the latter.  Namely, that Jesus’ work of redemption is in fact complete, regardless of whether one benefits from it or not.  A gift is still a gift, even though it may not be received.  The same for grace, and the same for Christ’s completed work.  All has been done to settle man’s fallen condition.  Jesus will not die again.  Yet, while the work of redemption is complete, it does not benefit man unless he believes and receives.

When faith joins with truth about Christ, a New Creation is the result, where old things are passed away and new things have come.  I have grave difficulty seeing and believing that the entire human race was in effect born again when Christ was resurrected but they just don’t know it.  I think this diminishes our view of the New Creation.  Where is the change in humanity if all are born again?

On the day of Pentecost the Holy Spirit fell on believers.  Why didn’t He fall on all the human race if all were born again?  Even the prophet Joel foretold that the Spirit would fall on “all flesh”.  Yet it is obvious in Acts that this did not happen.  What then did Joel see?  He saw the Spirit falling on all believers (Jews and Gentiles), which is clearly evidenced in the documentation presented by Luke in the book of Acts.

The New Creation has the nature of righteousness, holiness, and have become partakers of the divine nature.  All believers have been given a new heart, and have the mind of Christ.  Can we with boldness proclaim to all the human race that these things are true of them whether they believe or not?  I don’t see it, nor do I see that it increases the value of the Good News we preach." Grace minister from florida

Joseph Prince on Universal Salvation here

Paul Ellis on Inclusion here and here and here and here

Ed Elliott on Inclusion here

Dr. Andrew Farley on Inclusion/Universalism here

What is it I am saying in all this? I am not saying I hate the World and those without Christ. I am not advocating we tell people how wrong they are. I am saying the message is never changed. Christ died for all because all were already dead and need a savior. He paid the price all we need do is simply respond with childlike belief.

 Am I now not deep enough in grace? Have I rejected the message of grace? Am I no longer understanding grace? Of course not! The real truth is this, grace is inclusive and universal in its invitation and application. Universalism and Inclusion aren't the message of grace though. 


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C.C.R.- The truth about condemnation, conviction and repentance.

   4 But then something happened: God our Savior and His overpowering love and kindness for humankind entered our world; 5 He came to save us. It’s not that we earned it by doing good works or righteous deeds; He came because He is merciful. He brought us out of our old ways of living to a new beginning through the washing of regeneration; and He made us completely new through the Holy Spirit, 6 who was poured out in abundance through Jesus the Anointed, our Savior. 7 All of this happened so that through His grace we would be accepted into God’s covenant family and appointed to be His heirs, full of the hope that comes from knowing you have eternal life. 8 This is a faithful statement of what we believe. Titus 3:4-8 

 We are beginning a new series of study today. I want to dig deep into the Word of God and reveal the truth about condemnation and conviction and repentance. These are words many are familiar with. We hear them in church often. The real question is do we understand what these words actually mean? 

 Now, I am not referring to what we think they mean. Not referencing what tradition teaches what they mean. Rather I'm referring to what does God's Word actually teach they mean. That being said I'd like to take a little time and address the concepts of condemnation and conviction and repentance. 

The truth about Condemnation.

 I want to begin this study by revealing what the Scriptures have to say about condemnation. You see, most believers and unbelievers alike are familiar with the concept of condemnation. Many simply see it as a pointed finger of disapproval. Or someone who has their own closet full of "secret sins", looking disapprovingly at everyone else.

 Many, ministries are quick to state they aren't preaching  condemnation. That they aren't a ministry of condemnation yet, all they proclaim is a mixture of grace and Law. Their message to all is one of continued performance, uncertainty concerning relationship with God, and a conditional salvation. 

 So that there be no confusion, as to what condemnation is I want to go the Word of God as the final authority on this subject. 

 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus Romans 8:1 NLT

This is as clear as it gets. We aren't under any condemnation once we are in Christ. Someone may object to this citing the traditional King James translation of this passage. It says we aren't under condemnation only if we walk in the Spirit, not in the flesh. If you walk in the flesh you are under condemnation. I even heard a minister preach this. "If you feel condemned then quit walking in the flesh and start walking in the Spirit". The truth is the oldest original manuscripts don't have that added "clause" to this passage. It is simply not the Word of God. The Word is clear we aren't under condemnation.

 Some preachers just wanted to use that "clause" to excuse their preaching of fear and judgment to their flock. They enjoy beating the sheep not feeding the sheep. I have a good question to these "ministers". If we aren't under any condemnation why try to place the people of God back under guilt or shame or some message that makes them "feel" bad?

All you have done so far is to prove we aren't under condemnation. What is condemnation defined as from the Word? Glad you asked. There are several words used for condemnation in the Greek. All of them have one common theme. An adverse or damnatory sentence. In other words, "this is it for you!" An adverse sentence means you lose. You're wrong, and you will receive the just recompense for your actions. 

 If you are ministering the Word to someone or telling them about the Lord and you are passing an adverse sentence on them you're ministering condemnation. Now if an unbeliever asks about hell and eternal separation, it doesn't mean you have passed an adverse sentence on them by answering them. Not passing judgment but there is an eternal separation for those who reject the free gift of grace, (this is the only reason, not because of some particular sin or immoral lifestyle, not advocating "sinful living" either). Let me be clear though that is not the good news and that is not what we are called to proclaim to the lost.

 If we teach Heaven beautiful, Jesus as always good, and Father God as loving and merciful we will see more lives changed and the lost running to God. No need to preach hell hot as some traditions proclaim. Scaring people to come to God only produces fearful believers. These will only participate in religious exercises (prayer, church attendance and giving) because they believe this is what is demanded of them. They also feel God is angry with them and will smite them if they don't perform these tasks well enough. 

 I'm not advocating Universalism, (I do believe in an eternal separation for those who reject grace. A gift no matter how free must still be received.) I am clearly saying though preach the good news and people will accept the Lord and not reject Him. There is no need to preach hell and you better turn or burn! Scaring the lost only works on a short term basis anyway. After they leave a crusade or church and get around their friends they will feel "comfort" and forget about eternal damnation. Tell them God loves them and that God isn't imputing their sin to them any longer then the rejection and brokenness they live with will lose its grip and they will find peace and hope. It is God's goodness that produces change.

This subject is like an onion. The more you peel back the more you see. We need to proclaim God's goodness and grace to all. This is the message that will produce the desired results of new life and changed hearts and minds. 

 We will continue looking at condemnation next time and reveal how condemnation kills and stagnates growth in Christ. I trust this message blessed you and encouraged you. Remember you aren't under any condemnation. You're in Christ and you're loved and accepted. He delights in you, let His love flow radically through you to others. 



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Going deeper into truth or error?

I was so filled with joy to hear stories about your children walking in truth, in the very way the Father called us to live. 2 John 4

Anyone who gets so progressive in his thinking that he walks out on the teaching of Christ, walks out on God. But whoever stays with the teaching, stays faithful to both the Father and the Son. 2 John 9 Message

 In our last post we were examining Ultimate reconciliation and through the Word we refuted it as untruth. We began to examine the ideology of Historic Inclusionism. Is it the pure gospel of grace?

  I believe that Pastor Ryan Rufus made the case so clear about this view. It saddens me to write this but this philosophy is rooted in error. The spirit of error was prevalent in the founder of the particular group this idea stems from. The passing of the leader in the late 80s made this group rethink some of its views. That is the good news. The bad news is they still have roots of error in their doctrines. In the 2000s they changed their name. In the renaming of their group they put the word grace in the title. So today those hearing this beautiful message of God's grace readily receive anyone who say they're proclaiming grace.

  We need to more discerning than this. Here is why. Two different groups have web pages dedicated to "Christian Universalism". I don't want to link them. They are filled with error. On these web pages the moderators link this message of Inclusion to their own message of Universalism. We don't want to poison the gospel of grace with leading men to believe we are promoting Universalism or Inclusionism. 

   What about Historic Inclusionism? What are their main points? That all are righteous. This includes those who are not born again. That all are God's Children, that all men are in the Family of God. That all men have the Holy Spirit indwelling them. That all men have the new nature. The life of God is already within. Being born again is not becoming a new creation and receiving right standing  with God and the Spirit making His abode within, but rather it is an awakening to your true identity. That every man is included in the redemption. So basically you're already in whether you like it or not. 

   

   Are these Biblical views? If you don't accept these as truth are you not walking in the "deeper" realms of grace? I get so fed up with foolishness in the name of the Lord. These ideas put men in so much bondage. Am I believing the message the way the "elitist" teach it? I saw this in faith teaching years ago. If you didn't believe  ideas like faith means not having a job, or never taking medicine you just had a "faith" problem or a weaker faith. Let me be real truthful. I say it in love. All these Inclusionist views are plain  wrong and a misunderstanding and twisting of the Scripture to fit a presupposed view. Sadly, I shudder to write this, but sadly a few popular grace proclaimers on social media (YouTube, Facebook, etc.) adhere to these views. Many ascribe to their views because it sounds so similar to real pure grace. 

   Do all men have the new nature within? Do they have the life of Christ within? What does the Word teach?

   

   We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him.  1 John 3:14-15 NKJV

   If one possess the new nature and new life within they WILL be walking in this love. I have sad news for the followers of inclusion. Unsaved men do not have the new nature within. The new nature has the love of God shed abroad within it. Love will be evident. 

  In my personal life I worked in the Law enforcement community. I know of many thousands of people incarcerated and personally supervised  many of them inside the prison walls of this nation. I know of one case where a man who with seven others found a random woman on the street and by force brought her back to their apartment and brutally raped her. Did he just have the New Nature (which possess the God kind of love) dormant within? Did the Holy Spirit inside this unsaved man just fall asleep while he assaulted and brutalized his victim? Doesn't seem like the new nature would follow this  type of living. 

   Are all God's children apart from faith? What does the Scripture state?

   Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 1 John 3:1

  

   For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. Galatians 3:26-27

    

    But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: John 1:12

   These passages have the same theme. It is only by faith that we are the children of God. This alone disproves Inclusion as truth. Yet through extremely poor Bible interpretation and presupposed mindsets those in Inclusion will cite these passages as saying it does prove inclusion because the word all is used. 

   So because the word all is found in many Bible passage this give the Inclusionists the entire foundation of their philosophy. What they need to study is context and find the intended audience of the passages where the word all is used. If you study 1 John 3:1 it does use the Word all. Don't stop reading there though. Note it goes on to differentiate between all and the World. Who are the all here? The saved, those who received the Lord. Who are the World then? Those who have not received Him. Even though the word all is used it doesn't imply the unsaved are included. The World according the Apostle John is not included in the Family just because Jesus paid the price. We see there must be a response on the part of the unbeliever. 

   What about the unsaved already having the Holy Ghost within? What does the Word say?

   

   But you do not live in the flesh. You live in the Spirit, assuming, of course, that the Spirit of God lives inside of you. The truth is that anyone who does not have the Spirit of the Anointed living within does not belong to God.  If the Anointed One lives within you, even though the body is as good as dead because of the effects of sin, the Spirit is infusing you with life now that you are right with God. If the Spirit of the One who resurrected Jesus from the dead lives inside of you, then you can be sure that He who raised Him will cast the light of life into your mortal bodies through the life-giving power of the Spirit residing in you. Romans 8:9-11

    And it happened, while Apollos was at Corinth, that Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding some disciples he said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?"... Acts 19:1-2a 
 (I suppose Paul didn't consult the Trinitarian Theologians before asking this question. I am so intrigued to know of so many who know more than the Apostle Paul today...excuse the snarky tone)

 How can it get any clearer? In Romans 8 the Apostle Paul keeps using the word if. If you have the Spirit within, you're alive to God. If you don't you don't belong to Him yet. So how could you already have the Spirit within but, then have Paul admonish you with instructions about if you don't? This view is so easily proven unscriptural. It also forces those who adhere to it to dismiss clear scripture that disproves their points of view. 

  

  What about already being made righteous? What about being reconciled? What about God taking away the sin of the World? I believe 2 Corinthians 5 holds the key to understanding these truths. 

For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, from now on, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now we know Him thus no longer.  Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.  Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.  Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.  For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:14-21 NKJV

Do these passages promote inclusion? Again the word all is cited. So the Inclusionist comes to the conclusion that all means all humanity. Note Paul says He died for all. The Original KJV states it more clearer, that because He died for all it is clear that all were already dead. Dead in sin and trespasses. So Paul goes on to state that in order to receive the new creation you must be in Christ. How are we in Christ? It is when we receive Him. It is when we are born again. In John 3 Jesus Himself states we MUST be born again. He stated unless we are born again we will not see or experience the kingdom of God. What is the Kingdom? Righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost.

So, Paul is not teaching inclusion. He is teaching the need for faith in God. What about reconciliation? What about Jesus taking away the sin of the World? What about 1 John 2:1? He is the propitiation for the sins of the whole World. Doesn't this prove historic inclusion? If you want to believe it does you will make these passages say so. Jesus in truth paid the full price at Calvary. He took away the sin. Is that salvation though? No, salvation includes forgiveness and reconciliation but it is not salvation. These are only a small portion of salvation. Salvation is receiving the Lord and Him in turn imparting His righteousness, giving you His Spirit within and you being remade a New Creation in Him, it is receiving adoption into His Family. Again, to be in the Family of God we must believe. What about reconciliation? You see there are two parties involved in any relationship. 

God, has done all there is to do for us to be saved and righteous. He has forgiven sin. He has reconciled with us. He is no longer angry because the price for sin has been paid. This is all on God's side of the relationship. We need to now be reconciled to Him. Say my wife and I had a disagreement. We could both sit at the table to discuss it. She could be over it, hold no resentment, and already be reconciled to me. For me to experience the reconciliation I would have to be reconciled to her. It would be on my end to now receive the reconciliation offered. This is seen clearly in this passage when Paul admonished that we be now reconciled to God. How could we need to be reconciled to God if we already were?

One thing these historic Inclusionist deny is that they are  Universalist. They continually say a decision must be made to go to Heaven. So the inclusion view is you're included and already in until you're out. How does this view adhere to the absolute Biblical truth of Eternal Security? It is therefore contrary to it.

 Think of this. If we all are already in the Family, already righteous and already possess the New Nature within how could anyone saved or unbelievers then ever be lost? The truth of Eternal Security proves beyond doubt when one receives the New Nature within they are sealed with the Spirit. The Spirit is the guarantee of one's Salvation. To be in the Family means to have been adopted by  Abba Father. So the unGodly, unsaved man who never "awakens" to the "truth" of his "true identity" (who remember, already has the new nature, the indwelling Spirit, and been adopted in the Family according to the Trinitarian Inclusionist) will what now be cast away in the end? How can one be unadopted and unsealed? When does the Spirit leave? So one can be included in the Family and partaker of the Divine Nature and then thrown into hell for not receiving Jesus as Lord? Really? The Word is clear only the unrighteous (the unbeliever who rejects the grace and free gift of righteousness) will be lost and suffer eternal damnation. It seems Trinitarian Theology tosses aside certain Bible truths to establish one of their main points, but then uses those same discarded truths to establish the other points of view they hold to. Trinitarian Theology is actually saying, your all in but not really. Because, you're "in" but can still be "out" in the long run. You see how confusing this Trinitarian Inclusionism is?

 Lets not poison the flowing streams of God's pure gospel of grace. These ideas and philosophies are not the pure grace message Jesus has proclaimed to the World. The message to the lost is not wake up to who you already are. The message to the World is God loves you immeasurably. God is not holding your trespass against you. He is not mad at you. He has paid the full price for you. Simply receive Him freely. He will adopt you in His Family. He will make you a new Creation. He will never leave you or forsake you. Once you truly receive Him you will be never lost. Receive Him be reconciled to Him. This is the gospel of grace message we should always be proclaiming. This will set the captive free. Let's proclaim a pure gospel. Let's remove ourselves from a gospel of grace rebellion and be apart of a revolution that will alter lives for Christ. 

I know these words were hard sayings. I pray these words do not make you cease reading my blog. I pray this enlightened you to the pure gospel of His grace. Your feedback is welcomed. Consider sharing if this has blessed you.