- The Catalogue Of Benefits Through Faith
This chapter reveals that the Old Testament believers received the fulfilment of many promises. Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Joshua and many others received the promises (Hebrews 11:11,17,35; Genesis 12:2; 13:2; 26:12,13; 45:9-13; Deuteronomy 1:10).
Also, many individuals in Israel received many blessings by faith. They received salvation (Psalms 51:12; 32:1,2), healing (Exodus 15:26; Psalms 103:3; 107:20), deliverance (Psalm 34:4,19), sanctification (Leviticus 20:8; Isaiah 6:5-7), protection and preservation (Isaiah 43:2; Daniel 3:20-25; 6:19-22), and answers to prayers (Psalms 66:19,20; 68:19).
Yet, “these all died in faith, not having received the promises” (Hebrews 11:13,39). What promises were they not able to receive? Israel became a great nation after Abraham’s death (Genesis 12:2). All the families of the earth being blessed through Abraham was fulfilled with the coming of Christ (Genesis 12:3). Prophecies concerning the Messiah and the fullness of the Holy Spirit were later fulfilled but not during the lifetime of the Old Testament saints. God is faithful. Now, we can receive all He has promised us.
Supreme Expression Of Faith
Hebrews 11:17-19.
Among all the expressions of Abraham’s faith, nothing was more remarkable than the offering up of his son, Isaac. It is the most wonderful submission in faith, the most illustrious of all examples of faith. It shows the power of faith that helps a man to perform a very difficult duty so as to obtain a very important blessing.
What a great faith! The depth and great value of Abraham’s faith are revealed in his willingness to give back to God everything he had received by faith, including the son of promise. God’s demand was a test of Abraham’s faith. It was a test of his submission to God, his loyalty to God, his love and affections for God. Who did he really love more: God or Isaac? God’s promises to Abraham concerning his “seed” centred on Isaac. Ishmael had been cast out and Isaac’s posterity alone was to be reckoned to Abraham. Isaac had been given to Abraham after he had waited for a long time. There was no likelihood of his having any more sons through Sarah. Isaac himself had not got any child – not yet married. To offer him up to God looked like cutting off all his hopes. Yet, he was willing to obey God. He knew that God would do whatever was necessary, including raising Isaac from the dead, to keep His covenant. He believed in resurrection from the dead even before God revealed the doctrine.
The Test Of Faith
Hebrews 11:17,18; Genesis 21:10-12; 22:1-4,9,10; James 2:21-23; 1 Peter 1:7; John 6:5,6; Deuteronomy 8:2; 13:1-4; 1 Kings 19:19-21. This was test, a great test. God had declared unto Abraham that He would establish an everlasting covenant with Isaac and with his seed after him (Genesis 17:9). It was through him that all nations should be blessed (Genesis 17:7) and therefore it must be through him that Christ, according to the flesh, would proceed. Now the accomplishment of those promises depended upon the preservation of Isaac’s life. This Isaac, Abraham was called upon to sacrifice unto God. Abraham was to slay, not all his bullocks and herds, not one of his servants, not even Ishmael, but his loving, beloved, faithful son! Abraham was bidden, not to send him away from home but to cut him off out of the land of the living! To obey God and sacrifice Isaac appeared to render all His promises to Abraham null and void, making their fulfilment impossible. A severe trial – a serious trial of faith.
“By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac”. He had faith in the wisdom, power and faithfulness of God. He closed his eyes to all difficulties, trusting in the power of Him who cannot lie. He consulted not with flesh and blood, not even with Sarah. There was no delay or disputing with God, questioning the apparent discrepancy between the present command and the previous promises. Great faith in a great God passed a great test and obtained great blessings.
- The Testimony Of Faith
It is faith that causes us to yield to God, to respond to His claims, to answer His call, to obey Him joyfully. Faith carries its possessor through the greatest of trials, singing and testifying of God’s goodness and greatness while going through. There is a cheerful submission and joyful obedience to the will of God when we really and fully believe Him. Faith has a mighty influence to support and sustain the soul in time of trial. He who walks by faith, in the light of God’s eternal Word, goes on calmly and happily through the mists and fogs of time.
What a testimony Abraham had in the midst of his trial of faith! “And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you” (Genesis 22:5). He believed and testified that after the sacrifice, God would raise Isaac up and they would both “come again”. What a faith, what a testimony! He was so “strong in faith” that he believed God would raise him from the dead. “Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead” (Hebrews 11:19). Yes, our God is able. That is the testimony of faith (Hebrews 7:25; 2:18; Romans 11:23; 14:4; 2 Corinthians 9:8; Matthew 3:9; 2 Chronicles 25:9; Daniel 3:17; Romans 4:21; 2 Timothy 1:12; Ephesians 3:20; Jude 24; Philippians 3:21).
- THE TRIUMPH OF FAITH
Abraham received what he believed; he obtained what he confessed. “And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering” (Genesis 22:8). And did God provide? “And Abraham lifted up his eyes, and looked, and behold behind him a ram… and Abraham went and took the ram, and offered him up for a burnt offering” (Genesis 22:13). The outcome of the whole test of faith was a wonderful triumph of faith. No regrets, no disappointment. There was divine intervention in the nick of time – promptly. Trusting firmly in the Lord brought God’s all-sufficient power to act on his behalf. He got his beloved Isaac back again. God returns again to us what we offer to Him. Hannah gave up Samuel to the Lord, and she had many more children in return (1 Samuel 2:20,21). Abraham also obtained a fuller revelation of God’s name: he now knew Him as “Jehovah-Jireh” (Genesis 22:14). And God confirmed His covenant with him again (Genesis 22:16,17). The quickest road to triumph and full assurance is complete obedience in total trust in God.
THE PROPHETIC LANGUAGE OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:20-22
Today’s text refers to the faith of three men: Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. These three men are frequently and favourably mentioned in Scripture. Their faith, especially at the hour of death, is presented to us as a model. They had believed God, the God of Abraham, from childhood, they walked with God, through many tests, troubles and trials by faith and they all exhibited strong faith in God at the end of their earthly pilgrimage. At the end of the life of each of them, the greatest thing each one passed on to the children was the promise of God, not material things.
The record in Genesis reveals much on the lives of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Of these four men, Isaac lived the longest. Yet, less is recorded about him than any of the others. Chapters 12 to 25 are devoted to the life of Abraham, chapters 25-27 devoted to the life of Isaac, chapters 28-35 devoted to the life of Jacob while chapters 37-50 are devoted to the biography of Joseph. 13½ chapters for Abraham, 2½ for Isaac, 8 for Jacob and 14 for Joseph. Yet, one common thing with them is their faith in God – faith at the beginning, faith during their long fruitful lives, faith at the end of their lives, permitting them to enter into eternal fellowship with their God.
The presence of God was real with each of the men whose faith we are studying today. To Isaac, God said, “I will be with thee, and will bless thee” (Genesis 26:3,4). To Jacob, God said, “Behold, I am with thee… I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of” (Genesis 28:15). Concerning Joseph, we read, “And the LORD was with Joseph” (Genesis 39:2). Their faith held on firmly to the Word and promise of God.
- DOMINION THROUGH FAITH
30-40; 28:1,3,4,13-15; Proverbs 19:21; Psalm 33:10-15; Jeremiah 18:9,10.
Jacob the younger was blessed above Esau the elder. Jacob had dominion through faith. Isaac actually thought of pronouncing the blessing of Abraham on Esau. When he learnt of what Jacob had done, how he had received the blessing instead of Esau. “Isaac trembled very exceedingly” (Genesis 27:33). Then he said, “I have blessed him, yea, and he shall be blessed” (Genesis 27:33). The spirit had dominion over the flesh. Isaac allowed God’s will (Genesis 25:22,23) to have dominion over his natural desires and affection for Esau. Isaac had dominion through faith.
The Lord had spoken to Rebekah and she believed. However, when she learnt that “the blessing” was to be mistakenly given to Esau, she planned a scheme of deception to accomplish God’s purpose! God does not need our deception to fulfil His purpose. He could easily have put the right word in Isaac’s mouth (Exodus 4:12; Numbers 22:28; Deuteronomy 23:5; John 11:49-52; Acts 5:34-39). Their sin and deception did not go unpunished, but God intervened to confirm the birthright on Jacob. Isaac said, “I have blessed him, yea, and he shall be blessed”. That was the language of faith overcoming his natural partiality for Esau. Though “there are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand” (Proverbs 19:21). Even the tears of Esau could not move or change the mind of Isaac. Now that Isaac remembered the Word and the plan of God, he was as firm as a rock. The blessing of Abraham was given to Jacob. God was to be known as “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” (Exodus 3:15; Matthew 22:32).
- DECREE OF FAITH
While the three verses, (Hebrews 11:20,21,22) have faith, dynamic faith, in common, the case of Isaac shows dying faith triumphing over the affections of the flesh; that of Jacob teaches dying faith overcoming the interference of man; while that of Joseph reveals dying faith exalting the promised land above Egypt and the world. “By faith Jacob, when he was a dying…” (Hebrews 11:21). To manifest faith at the point of death, we must have been exercising faith continually, while we are still alive. The leading feature of the faith of dying Jacob is seen in the blessing of Joseph’s two sons. When Joseph brought his two sons before Jacob to receive his final blessing, he placed Manasseh the elder, to his right hand, and Ephraim the younger to his left. His reason was that Manasseh would receive the greater blessing. Crossing his hands, he gave the greater blessing to Ephraim the younger. When Joseph desired a change, Jacob maintained what he had done. “And his father refused, and said, I know it, my son, I know it” (Genesis 48:19). By faith, he refused the desire or demand of a loved one. What a great lesson for us. There are times that our faith has to cross or refuse the wish and will of a loved one. The final word concerning Jacob in Scripture shows him full of faith and dedicated in worship. “By faith Jacob… blessed… and worshipped” (Hebrews 11:21). What a happy ending on earth!
- DEPARTING IN FAITH
At the early age of seventeen, Joseph was sold in a foreign country into a heathen land. For many years, he was surrounded by idol-worshippers. There was no contact with a single true believer. There was no fellowship for spiritual encouragement. Yet, he kept the faith! He believed the Word from the Lord which he had received as a teenager. He was faithful to God, he resisted temptation, he was patient under affliction, he witnessed to others concerning the love and power of God, he overcame evil with good – all because of his faith in God. The initial loneliness in Egypt, the prosperity in Potiphar’s house, the exalted position in the prison, the honour from Pharaoh did not destroy his faith. His heart was fixed on higher things than the perishing babbles of Egypt.
Joseph was looking forward to the time when God would visit Israel and take the nation to the Promised Land (Genesis 50:24). There was no doubt in his heart. He was fully assured that God cannot lie and that He would surely fulfil His Word. Canaan, not Egypt, was on Joseph’s heart while dying. True faith in his heart was engaged, not only with the safety of his soul, but with the future happiness of God’s people. Faith not only believes the promises which God has given to His children individually, but also lays hold of those given to the church collectively.
THE DECISION OF FAITH
Hebrews 11:23-26
Decisions determine destiny! Our decisions have far-reaching effects on us and many others. The decisions of the parents of Moses had effect, not only on the family but on the whole nation of Israel. And the decision of Moses! We would not have heard anything about him but for his choice, his decision. Because of his decision, Israel was delivered from bondage, God’s covenant with Abraham was fulfilled, God’s power was made known to Egypt and the world, divine revelation in written form has become available to the whole world, etc. Our decisions reveal who we are and also determine how useful or useless we would be in life. Our decisions determine where we shall spend eternity.
Some seemingly simple and unimportant decisions have great consequences. When decisions are taken in fear, unbelief, or because of negative reaction, revenge and frustration, we may unknowingly be committing spiritual suicide. Every decision would be taken in faith. There will be no regrets when we take all our decisions with God. Take no decision without God.
The parents of Moses were married at a difficult time in Egypt. And Moses was born when there was an edict to destroy all male infants. The parents hid the child for three months. When it became impossible to continue hiding the child, they took another decision – a decision of faith. Moses was preserved, Israel was delivered, the world was blessed!
- PROTECTION RECEIVED BY FAITH
Our decisions either bring God on our side or make Him to be against us. Decisions of faith shield and protect us from Satan while decisions of unbelief expose us to Satan and his agents.
“Another king arose, which knew not Joseph” (Acts 7:18). This new evil king made a law that the male infants born to Israelites should be killed. “They cast out their young children, to the end they might not live” (Acts 7:19). It was at this time Moses was born (Acts 7:20). Why didn’t the parents act in fear and surrender their child, Moses, to be killed under the cruel edict? “By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents… And they were not afraid of the king’s commandment” (Hebrews 11:23).
The parents of Moses received divine protection for the child because they acted in faith. The strong, spiritual, supernatural faith they had in God strengthened and sustained their hearts in the crisis. Their faith in God overcame the fear of man. Faith enables us to look away from human terrors, and to put our trust in the unseen, invisible God (Psalm 27:1). In times of persecution, the promises of God are our great protection. If we believe in God, all the laws which men make against the promises that God has given to His Church are doomed to certain failure. “Be not afraid, only believe” (Mark 5:36).
- PRESTIGE REJECTED BY FAITH
There are some bold decisions that can only be taken in faith by those who see the great spiritual heights that God is calling them to. To reject such privilege and prestige as Moses rejected demands real faith in God. Carnal reasoning could have said, ‘Why not accept to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter and use the position to reform Egypt? Why not use this royal privilege to lessen the oppression of the Hebrews? Why not accept the prestige of being called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter so as to escape much affliction and suffering?’ Only bold faith in God can make us reject Satan’s scholarship to greatness.
A man is known by his choice – by his decision. You cannot know a man fully until you know what he accepts or rejects by faith and his conviction in God. Our spiritual life, faith, maturity can be measured by our daily decision. Faith views eternity to come and rejects the privileges and prestige of this passing world that will soon fade away. Moses knew that God preserved him to deliver Israel from Egypt. To remain in Egypt’s palace when God wanted him to lead Israel out of Egypt will be unbelief and disobedience to God. Some people find it difficult to make the sacrifices (self-denial and separation from the world) that Christ requires because they have no faith. Believe as Moses believed, and you will find it easy to decide and choose as Moses did.
- PLEASURE REFUSED BY FAITH
“Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season” (Hebrews 11:25). There is faith that conquers the flesh, faith that conquers the world. The decision to refuse the pleasure of the flesh in Egypt, relinquish a high position in the palace, renounce power in the greatest empire at that time, resist the pride of life and reject prosperity that could have made him blind to God’s call upon his life, was a decision of faith. Living faith in God makes us to forsake all the things the world holds dear. Moses weighed what Egypt had to offer against what God offered. He considered God’s offer in the light of eternity and saw that it was infinitely superior in every way.
There is both a negative and a positive side of the decision of faith of Moses. First, a “refusing”, then a “choosing” (Hebrews 11:24,25), and that order is unchanging. It is our refusal of the things of the world and our choosing the things of the Lord which identifies us as true children of God. And this is all by faith. Living by faith, we faithfully keep the things of eternal value in view.
FAITH THAT CONQUERS
Hebrews 11:27-29
Our study today reveals faith in action. This is faith that conquers! There is faith that conquers Satan and all his agents; faith that conquers sin and all its consequences; faith that overcomes the world and the flesh; faith that conquers sickness and death; faith that conquers Pharaoh and his army; Egypt and all her magicians; faith that opens a way through the Red Sea; faith that brings permanent deliverance. This is the faith that arrests our attention today.
Faith conquers. The faith of Abel conquered sin and he received pardon and witness that he was righteous. The faith of Enoch conquered death and he was translated into the presence of God in heaven. The faith of Noah conquered unbelief and worldliness and he escaped judgment – saved from the flood. The faith of Abraham conquered human reasoning and he passed the greatest test of his life. The faith of Sarah conquered bodily weakness and she received strength to conceive. The faith of Isaac conquered parental partiality and he submitted to God’s ultimate plan. The faith of Jacob conquered human preference and tradition and he acted under divine guidance. The faith of Joseph conquered attachment to Egypt and he fixed his eyes on Canaan. The faith of Moses’ parents conquered the fear of a cruel edict and they preserved the future deliverer. The faith of Moses conquered Egypt and its pleasure and he shook Egypt to its very foundations. Faith conquers!
- PREVAILING OVER FEAR BY FAITH
Faith strengthens the heart and delivers us from the fear of man. Faith and fear are opposites, where one is dominant the other is dormant. The fear of man is a negative force, a tool of Satan that weakens and paralyses man. Fear makes a man to tremble before a fellow man and to melt away when faced with duty or divinely appointed responsibility. Faith enables a man to shun the smiles or frowns of men. A man with God-given faith refuses to be discouraged by the greatest problems. Faith survives the fires of satanic assault and flourishes under the dews of the Spirit. “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king” (Hebrews 11:27). When Moses demanded of Pharaoh to let God’s people go, he was not terrified by thoughts of what the enraged king might do. With no army behind him, with no powerful officer in Egypt’s court to support his request, he made his demand to leave Egypt with all the children of Israel. “Not fearing the wrath of the king”. He did not fear man; he did not fear the greatest of men, a king; he did not fear the wrath of the king. His faith in God expelled all forms of fear of all kinds of men. “For he endured, as seeing Him who is invisible” (Hebrews 11:27). He fixed his eyes on God. By faith he looked constantly at the Invisible One and all visible things lost their terror. “Seeing Him who is invisible” encourages and strengthens our faith.
- PASSED OVER AND PROTECTED BY FAITH
“Through faith he kept the passover” (Hebrews 11:28). The “passover” was an ordinance, the first ordinance, given to Israel by God. It was called the passover because God passed over the Israelites on the night when all the firstborn of Egypt died under God’s judgment. “It is the LORD’S passover. For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night, and will smite all the firstborn in the land of Egypt… And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are: and when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be upon you to destroy you, when I smite the land of Egypt” (Exodus 12:1l-13). That first observance of the Passover was an act of faith. Moses and Israel acted by faith. All the firstborn of the children of Israel were delivered from the Angel of Death because they were sheltered beneath the blood of the lamb. Today, we find pardon and salvation through the Blood of the Lamb, we have purity and sanctification in the Blood of the Lamb as well as protection and security under the Blood of the Lamb.
“Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them”. “The sprinkling of blood” has reference to personal application of the blood of the Lamb, by faith. Believe in Christ and His atoning Blood, then will you enjoy the fulfilment of the promise: “When I see the Blood, I will pass over you”.
- PASSAGE THROUGH THE SEA BY FAITH
This is faith, living faith, mighty faith, faith that overcomes the devil and escapes evil. ‘O for a faith that will not shrink, Though pressed by many a foe, That will not tremble on the brink of any earthly woe! Lord, give us such a faith as this, And then, whatever may come, we’ll taste, even here, the hallowed bliss of an eternal home’ (The Broadman Hymnal #277).
What an obstacle, what a difficulty, what a problem Israel had before the Red Sea. Hedged in on all sides, the Sea in front, a blood-thirsty army behind, the nation of Israel found herself in an impossible situation. By faith they passed through. They could not fight – they had no strength nor weapons; they could not fly – there was no natural way of escape. Yet, they passed through. When all natural means fail, there is a supernatural means – faith – that provides a way of escape.
Observe Moses’ language of faith: (1) “Fear ye not”. (2) “Stand still”. (3) “See the salvation of the LORD, which He will show you today”. What was the result of having implicit faith in God? God “led them by the right hand of Moses with His glorious Arm, dividing the water before them” (Isaiah 63:11-13). By faith we can pass through any Red Sea before us. Fear not; stand still and consider what God can do; see the salvation of the Lord by faith; then “go forward” in obedience to His commands. He has opened the Red Sea. He never fails those who fully trust and unreservedly obey Him.
WINNING IN WARFARE BY FAITH
Hebrews 11:32
The verse begins with the question: “And what shall I more say?” Having spoken of the challenging examples and extraordinary exploits of faith, the Apostle now gives a summary of actions of faith, grouping some men of faith together. He does not mention all men or women that could have been mentioned. He passes over individuals such as Caleb, Deborah, Hannah, Ruth, Job and some others. Rather the Holy Spirit presents before us Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets. The order in which they are mentioned is not that of time, for Barak lived before Gideon, Jephthah before Samson, and Samuel before David. God reckons according to His evaluation of the fruits of our faith, not according to age. With true faith in them, they fought the Lord’s battles with courage and conviction and brought deliverance, truth and revival to God’s people.
- GIDEON: WINNING WITH THE COURAGEOUS FEW
Gideon was called to deliver and judge the nation of Israel when they were under the fierce oppression of the Midianites and the Amalekites (Judges 6:1-4). The Israelites were poor and fearful. When God called Gideon, he felt inadequate and wondered how he could defeat the oppressors and deliver the oppressed (Judges 6:11-16). With such a great challenge before him, he needed assurance from the Lord. Given some initial assurance (Judges 6:19-24), his faith was strong enough to destroy the idolatrous altar of his father (Judges 6:25-27). “The Spirit of the LORD” soon came upon him so he could begin the great work God had called him to. His faith was growing; he did not immediately or instantly come into strong, unshakable, extraordinary faith. With divine responses that cleared all his doubts (Judges 6:36-40; 7:13-15), his faith became firm and his victory certain.
“Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). What words ministered faith to him? “Surely 1 will be with thee and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man” (Judges 6:16). Though the enemies were many – “without number, as the sand by the sea side for multitude” (Judges 7:12), Gideon defeated them with only 300 men in his army (Judges 7:7). Few with faith can defeat many with might.
2 . BARAK: WEAPON AGAINST CRUEL FOES
Hebrews 11:32; Judges 4:4-9,14-24; Zechariah 4:6; 2 Corinthians 10:4,5; Mark 9:23.
The period of the judges was an era of repeated backsliding for Israel. “The children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord” (Judges 2:11,17, 19; 3:7,12; 4:1). Their backsliding brought “the anger of the LORD” upon them (Judges 2:14,20; 3:8). Sin, disobedience and rebellion had brought Israel under powerful enemies. In God’s mercy, He raised up Barak to deliver Israel from 20 years of servitude. Barak believed God’s promise given through Deborah. The fact that he wanted Deborah, the Lord’s special representative at that time, to go with him to battle meant that his trust was in the Lord, not in his wisdom or ability. God’s presence was of more value to him than his 10,000 men. Faith for victory over cruel foes came by hearing the Word: “I will deliver him into thine hand” (Judges 4:6,7).
- SAMSON: WEAKNESS OVERCOME BY CONQUERING FAITH
Samson was a judge in Israel and his special task was that of fighting against the Philistines. He is remembered most for his moral weakness, backsliding and loss of God’s power. Yet, his last exploit of faith shows that he overcame weakness by conquering faith. Throughout his life, he fought and defeated thousands of Philistines single-handedly. Many mighty deeds are recorded of him – rending a lion to pieces, slaying the nation’s enemies with the jawbone of an ass, carrying the gates of Gaza on his shoulders, breaking the strongest cords when bound by his enemies, pulling down the great temple containing thousands of the Philistines. The instantaneous answer to his final prayer concludes his mighty acts by faith and by the Spirit.
- JEPHTHAH: WILLINGNESS WITH CONSECRATED FAITHFULNESS
Jephthah’s calling and involvement was not only because of his faith but because of God’s grace. His birth was dishonourable (Judges 11:1,2). The Mosaic law excluded such from the congregation of the LORD (Deuteronomy 23:2) but grace brought him in not just as a member but even a deliverer and a judge. He feared the Lord and was willing to deliver God’s people and serve them. He believed God with a strong faith. He ascribed Israel’s victories to the Lord (Judges 11:12,14,21-23). He made an extraordinary vow before the Lord and faithfully kept it by keeping his daughter in continual virginity. After the victory, he faithfully maintained his consecration.
- DAVID: WARRIOR WITH COURAGEOUS FAITH
David stands out as a great man of faith in the Bible. From his youth, he trusted in the Lord. When he was still young, he killed a lion and a bear while taking care of his father’s sheep. He fought and had victory over Goliath. He had faith in God and spoke words of faith: “Thou comest to me with a sword… but I come to thee in the name of the LORD. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand… for the battle is the LORD’S, and He will give you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:45-47). David overcame in many battles of life by faith. The battles were many and varied, in his family and from the king of the nation, friends and foes; yet, he always fought with courageous faith. The Psalms are full of expressions and confessions of his faith (Psalms 3:6; 4:8; 9:9,10; 18:2,17,19; 23:4; 27:1,3; 32:7; 44:5-8; 56:3-5,11; etc.).
6.SAMUEL AND THE PROPHETS: WITNESSES OF OUR COVENANT-KEEPING FATHER
Hebrews 11:32; 1 Samuel 3:10,19; 7:7-10;12:16-19; Psalm 99:6.
Only Samuel is named among “the prophets”. The prophets were all men of faith and they bore witness to the unfailing, unchanging nature of the Word of our covenant-keeping God. The prophets reminded God’s people of the trustworthiness of the promises of God. These prophets also fought valiantly against idolatry and immorality in the nation. Samuel was an outstanding prophet of God. From his youth, he had the presence of God and the prophetic Word. God’s power was demonstrated in his life (1 Samuel 12:16-18). Through the prophets, Israel was taught to maintain faith in God – “for I am the LORD, I change not” (Malachi 3:6).
GOD-HONOURING FAITH OF THE PROPHETS
Hebrews 11:32
“And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae…” (Hebrews 11:32). We are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses. Whatever our conditions or circumstances, there have been men or women of faith who went through similar situations by faith. These examples of men and women of faith in Hebrews chapter eleven encourage us to trust in God. The study of the lives of godly people who have lived and fought the Lord’s battles victoriously is always helpful to our faith. Gideon with the courageous few, Barak, fighting against cruel foes, Samson restored to conquering faith and Jephthah challenging us with uncommon consecration and faithfulness all teach us profitable lessons as we fight the battles of the Lord.
The second half of Hebrews 11:32 mentions David, Samuel and the prophets. Samuel was a prophet (Acts 3:24). Although David was a king (Acts 13:22), he was also used of God as a prophet (Acts 2:25,26,30). This latter half of Hebrews 11:32 then speaks of the faith of the prophets that brings honour and glory to God. Gideon, Barak, Samson and Jephthah were judges and warriors in Israel; Samuel was a prophet; only David is mentioned among all the kings of Israel in this chapter of heroes of faith. Faith gives us a place among God’s people, while unbelief removes our names from God’s book of remembrance.
- DAVID: WARRIOR WITH COURAGEOUS FAITH
Psalms 71:7,17,18; 18:32-35; 27:3; 1 Timothy 6:12.
David stands out as a great man of faith in the Bible. From his youth, he trusted in the Lord. When he was still young, he killed a lion and a bear while taking care of his father’s sheep. He fought and had victory over Goliath. He had faith in God and spoke words of faith: “Thou comest to me with a sword… but I come to thee in the name of the LORD. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand… for the battle is the LORD’S, and He will give you into our hands” (1 Samuel 17:45-47). David overcame in many battles of life by faith. The battles were many and varied, in his family and from the king of the nation, friends and foes; yet, he always fought with courageous faith. The Psalms are full of expressions and confessions of his faith (Psalms 3:6; 4:8; 9:9,10; 18:2,17,19; 23:4; 27:1,3; 32:7; 44:5-8; 56:3-5,11; etc.).
2.SAMUEL: WITNESS OF OUR COVENANT-KEEPING FATHER
Hebrews 11:32; 1 Samuel 3:10,19; 7:7-10; 12:16-19; Psalm 99:6; Acts 13:20; 3:24-26.
Samuel knew the Lord from his childhood. He was born through the prayer and faith of Hannah, his mother. Conceived and born through the prayer of faith, prayer and faith in God carried him through life. The lives of Eli’s sons, sinful, wicked children indeed, did not destroy his faith and loyalty to God. The sinful examples of backsliders and apostates cannot destroy true faith in those who really have it.
Samuel was an outstanding prophet of God who bore witness to the faithfulness of God. The power of God was evident in his life and the prophetic ministry was kept pure throughout his life. Israel honoured and feared him because of the demonstration of God’s power through him. His messages brought strong conviction on their hearts.
- THE PROPHETS: WATCHMEN OVER COMPROMISING FLOCKS
The Lord sent His Word to His people in the Old Testament through the prophets. Moses was a great and unique prophet with whom the Lord spoke “mouth to mouth” (Numbers 12:7,8). His function as God’s prophet was to teach and preach God’s Word with signs to confirm the message. All the true prophets always spoke forth the divine message. Biblical prophecy was based upon and was a development out of the law of God (Isaiah 8:20; Deuteronomy 13:1-5). Every revelation or prophecy is to be judged by the written Word of God (Revelation 22:18,19; Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Romans 16:17).
The prophets were watchmen over Israel who boldly declared God’s Word to the nation. They reminded the children of Israel of the faithfulness of God. They had great faith in God and spoke with strong conviction even when the nation was backslidden and hardened. They always spoke with authority and conviction to impress the demand of God’s Word on the consciences of their hearers. And God’s power was present with them to confirm His Word.
KNOWING FALSE PROPHETS THROUGH THEIR FRUITS (FOLLOWERS)
Matthew 7:16-18,20
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Most sheep can easily be deceived into accepting any hireling wearing sheep’s clothing. Most believers, even experienced Samuels, may be impressed by the outward qualities and characteristics of false prophets and false teachers if they look no farther than external manifestations. “Inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Our process of admitting workers, leaders and preachers into the ministry must go beyond the evaluation of “sheep’s clothing” which human skill can make and wear. What the prospective workers and preachers are “inwardly” is more important than all impressive outward qualities. But what if we have difficulty discerning a prophet’s inward desire, ambition and motivation? How else can we identify false prophets? “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” Men do not limit themselves to the leaves, barks or flowers of trees to evaluate and identify them. The flowers of a tree may be beautiful and fragrant, the foliage may be thick and green, the appearance may be great and gorgeous, but the fruit is what determines its identity and usefulness. The outward appearance, public image, physical environment, external worship and visible resources of a prophet-preacher may be impressive and attractive but we must ask: what is the quality of the fruits being produced?
If the man in sheep’s clothing has the nature of a wolf and produces corrupt fruit, his apparent meekness, gentleness, devotion, zeal, affability, and good humour are all meant to deceive and destroy the sheep. When Satan transforms himself to an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14); the tormentors may put on the faces of men and wear crowns like gold (Revelation 9:5-8); the beast may have “two horns like a lamb” and “do great wonders” (Revelation 13:11-13), the people of God must not be deceived. We must examine the fruits of the prophets, then shall we know whether they are of God or not.
1.CORRUPT FRUITS OF FAULTY PREACHING
Matthew 7:16-18; 2 Corinthians 2:17; Galatians 1:6-10; Isaiah 5:20-23; Acts 20:26-31; 1 John 2:18,19,26; Ephesians 4:14; 1 Timothy 6:20,21; 2 Timothy 2:17,18;
2 Corinthians 11:13-15.
Whatever fruit any preacher produces, it is through preaching. Fruits of life and labour, fruits of character and converts, fruits of belief and behaviour, fruits of doctrine and disciples, fruits in families and followers are produced by the seed we sow, by the messages we preach. The greatest power for deception and destruction which the false prophet has is his faulty preaching. He corrupts the Word of God, not only by misquoting it but by misinterpreting it. He makes his hearers believe a lie, not by denying the strait gate and the narrow way but by never speaking on them. He may not deny the necessity of repentance, the absolute condition of saving faith, the importance of holiness, self-denial, separation from the world with all its lusts and pride, but he never mentions them. He may preach very comforting and reassuring messages on the love of God but he is forever silent on the holiness of God, the justice of God, the righteousness of God, the wrath of God. The false prophet may not openly deny God’s revelation on the final judgment and the eternal destiny of the lost but he never warns his hearers of the wrath to come. Paul had opportunity to preach to “the most excellent governor Felix”. “And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled” (Acts 23:26; 24:24-26). This, the false prophets will not do.
The false prophet may not deny the Lordship of Christ but he does not exphasize our submission to Him as Lord (Luke 6:46). False prophets who deny the clear teaching of God’s Word, who oppose Christ’s way to eternal life, who openly disbelieve the existence of eternal punishment for sinners are dangerous. But the false prophets who cleverly and studiously keep quiet on these salient truths while emphasizing half-truths are doubly dangerous. They make us to think “peace and safety” when “sudden destruction” is very near (1 Thessalonians 5:3). That is always the effect of the messages of false prophets. “They have healed also the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, saying, Peace, peace; when there is no peace” (Jeremiah 6:14; 8:11). Faulty preaching makes the “people to trust in a lie” (Jeremiah 28:15; 29:31), and produces corrupt fruits. “Beware of false prophets. Ye shall know them by their fruits.”
2.CARNAL FOLLOWERS OF FALSE PROPHETS
Matthew 7:16-18; 23:15; Hosea 4:6-9; 1 Timothy 4:1,2; 2 Timothy 3:1-8;
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; 2 Peter 2:1,2,14,19-22; Hebrews 12:15-17; Matthew 24:4,5,11-13,23-25,33.
The followers of false prophets are the fruits of their ministry. The effect of the message of false prophets will be seen in the lives of their followers. We cannot judge a preacher by the life of a few of his congregation; there was an Achan in Joshua’s team and a Judas among Christ’s disciples. But when the general effect of a preacher’s message on his followers is corruption, carnality, deception, immorality, covetousness, unrighteousness and hypocrisy, it is a sure sign that we must watch and beware of false prophets.
False prOphets “make” their followers “vain” (Jeremiah 23:16) “cause (the) people to err by their lies” (Jeremiah 23:32), “strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none doth return from his wickedness” (Jeremiah 23:14; Ezekiel 13:22) “deceive the hearts of the simple” (Romans 16:18) “beguile you with enticing words” (Colossians 2:4). False prophets make sinners and backsliders hardened in their sins. “For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves” (Matthew 23:15).
Corrupt trees produce evil fruits (Matthew 5:16-18). False prophets raise carnal followers. To be carnal is to be “sold under sin”, to be given to sinful propensities, to be under the influence of fleshly and worldly desires (Romans 7:14). “The carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be” (Romans 8:7). Such followers of false prophets become so resistant to saving truth; they hate the law of God while they profess to love God and desire blessings from Him. Under the “strong delusion” of false prophets, religious people “believe a lie”, “believe not the truth” and have “pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12).
3.COURAGEOUS FIRMNESS AGAINST FALSE PROPHETS
Matthew 7:16-18; Deuteronomy 13:1-8; Proverbs 23:23; 24:21,22; Romans 16:17,18;
1 Timothy 4:15,16; 2 Timothy 3:12-17; 4:1-5; 2 John 7-11; Jude 3,4;
Revelation 2:2,6; 3:10-13.
It takes courage to stand up for the truth in the midst of false prophets. It takes courage to defend the truth when those who propagate error are many and mighty. It requires courage in these last days when multitudes are on the broad way and you know that the few unpopular believers on the narrow way are right and approved of God. It takes courage to cast in your lot with the few and lose the favour, help and approval of relatives and family members who are on the broad way.
There is physical courage and there is moral courage. Physical courage is bravery, that virtue that enables a person to put fear under control in the face of danger, pain or misfortune. David had this kind of courage to confront and conquer Goliath. Moral courage is greater than physical courage. David did not have the moral courage to stand for truth and righteousness when Absalom sinned against God by killing Amnon. The lack of moral courage causes more problems than the absence of physical courage. Absalom caused David more pain, sorrow and heartache than Goliath and all the giants among the Philistines. Solomon was a greater thorn in the flesh to Israel than all the Philistines put together. The courage to stand up against error and unrighteousness, the courage to resist and withstand false prophets even when they are our kinsmen according to the flesh, the courage to defend and protect the truth with conviction and unrelenting commitment, that is what we need at this hour.
Beware of false prophets. Be aware and be warned of false prophets. Be watchful and be a warrior against false prophets. Warn God’s people and watch over them. Beware and watch over your own soul, too.
THE DESTINY OF FALSE PROPHETS AND THEIR FOLLOWERS
Matthew 7:19,20
In God’s governmental dealings with people, the severity of punishment shows the gravity of the sin committed by man. The sin of a false prophet who deceives multitudes into believing a soul-damning lie, who strengthens men in rebellion against God, who turns people away from the way of salvation into the way of eternal perdition, who changes, adulterates and distorts the Word of God, the sacred constitution of God’s Kingdom, who sins against the clear light of God’s revelation, who by flagrantly sinning encourages others to sin against God, who professes to serve God, being supported by the resources of God’s people, yet serves God’s arch-enemy, Satan, who refuses the pleadings of the Holy Spirit to repent and return to the truth, that preacher’s crime is greater than what our tongue can express. What would you think of doctors who, instead of helping people to live, are injecting them with disease-transmitting viruses? What would our society, any society, think of lawyers who collect much money from their clients and yet consistently and deliberately make them victims of cruel injustice? What would our government, any government, think of the teachers who, instead of teaching youths to live properly, deliberately teach them the way of evil and death? What God knows about false prophets which most of us are ignorant of would make shocking and frightening discoveries when they are eventually disclosed on the judgment day.
God is no unrighteous Judge, neither is He a partial Judge. If the man who sins and rejects forgiveness and salvation is judged, will the man who sins and makes many others hardened in sin not be judged? If a thief who steals, all by himself is sentenced and punished, will another thief who does not only steal but trains others to steal be free from punishment? False prophets will appear before God on the final day to answer for the deeds they have done in the flesh.
1. THE FRIGHTENING DELUSION OF FOLLOWERS OF FALSE PROPHETS
Matthew 13:15; 23:15; Isaiah 30:8-13; Jeremiah 44:15-23; John 3:19,20; Romans 1:22-28;
2 Thessalonians 2:9-12; 2 Corinthians 4:3,4; 1 Timothy 4:1,2; 2 Timothy 4:3,4; Galatians 4:15-20; 5:7-12.
“Ye shall know them by their fruits. A corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. Neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” The word fruit is used in Scripture in various ways. Children are referred to as fruits of their parents (Deuteronomy 28:4,11; 30:9; Psalms 127:3; 132:11). Converts and followers are also referred to as the fruit of preachers (Romans 1:13; Jeremiah 2:3; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:15; James 1:18; Revelation 14:4). The followers of the false prophets are the fruit of their ministries. The effect of their message and ministry will be seen in the lives of their followers. If the generality of their followers are nominal, sinful, carnal, covetous and blind to the truth of salvation and christian living, it is the result of what they receive from the false teachers. The fruit of the false prophets, that is, their followers, gradually become committed, zealous, blinded, reprobate, fanatical and apostate. The influence of false prophets on their followers can become so strong until they harden their hearts, and permanently close their ears and eyes to the truth. They often come under such strong delusion that they believe a lie and defend falsehood. The Pharisees and their followers (their “proselytes”) are an example of such strong delusion. Their followers became two-fold more children of hell than themselves. Though Christ did so many miracles to convince them of His divine credentials and authority, they rejected Him and opposed the saving truth He taught. Those followers of the false prophets did not only reject Jesus Christ and His message, they resisted the Holy Ghost (Acts 7:51). They made a deliberate choice not to retain God in their knowledge (Romans 1:28) and harden their hearts to the point of loving error and hating the truth. They turn away from sound doctrine and turn unto fables. In fact, they confess openly that they hate the word “doctrine”, which is a precious New Testament word (Matthew 7:28; John 7:16,17; Acts 2:42; Romans 6:17; 1 Corinthians 14:6; 1 Timothy 4:6,13,16; 5:17; 6:1,3; 2 Timothy 4:2-5; Titus 2:1,7; 2 Timothy 3:16,17; Titus 1:9). The paths of false prophets and their followers are very slippery; falling is easy but recovery is difficult, almost impossible. “Avoid them” (Romans 16:17,18).
2. THE FINAL DESTINY OF FLATTERED, FALSE PROPHETS
Matthew 7:19,20; Proverbs 29:5,6; Job 32:21,22; Ezekiel 13:3-9; Matthew 3:10; Luke 3:7-9;
Matthew 23:15,33; 2 Peter 2:1-6,9,17; Jude 4-7; Revelation 19:20; 20:10; 22:18,19.
This is the teaching of the Word of God from the Old Testament to the New Testament. Christ taught clearly on the final doom and future damnation of deceived and deceptive prophets not because He rejoiced to see them damned but because He desired their salvation, warning them so they would see the future awaiting them if that would lead them to repentance. Like His Father in heaven, He had no pleasure in the death, doom or damnation of the wicked or the false prophet. He said, “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). As God is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” so Christ is not willing that any false prophet should perish but that he should repent. He offered them salvation and wept for them because they rejected the Truth (John 8:24; 9:40,41; Luke 19:41,42). Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, taught the truth in love and we cannot teach the truth without love. No true child of God or true servant of God can teach this truth without love for souls and a bleeding heart. Yet, we cannot hold back the truth because of its painful reality. While there is the possibility of repentance and redemption, we must proclaim this truth on housetops. Judgment, indignation, wrath and damnation await unrepentant false prophets. Ministers who lead their members to captivity must go into captivity; those who send others to hell will follow them there. Corrupt trees and corrupt fruits are united by corruption on earth and they will be united in condemnation throughout eternity. There is no repentance or forgiveness beyond the grave. God offers forgiveness and mercy while we are here on earth. Balaam refused to return from the way of perdition and he perished (Numbers 22:22,34; 2 Peter 2:15-17; Revelation 2:14). “In Jerusalem, a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7). “Make the tree good, and his fruit good ” (Matthew 12:33). Our God Who “is able of these stones to raise children unto Abraham” can change and transform any minister with his message and members. Be willing and obedient.
3. THE FUTURE DAMNATION OF FILTHY FRUITLESS PEOPLE
Matthew 7:19,20; John 15:6; Matthew 13:40-42,47-50; Matthew 25:41,46; Mark 9:42-48;
James 3:1-6; Hebrews 10:26-31; 12:25-29; Luke 16:19-31; Revelation 14:9-11; 20:11-15; 21:8.
Jesus spoke about the future damnation, judgment and suffering of sinners in hell more than any other preacher or prophet in the Bible. And He said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). He also said, “We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen” (John 3:11). He said, “My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent Me”. “As My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things” (John 7:16; 8:28). No one who truly believes in Christ and His divinity will doubt the existence of hell. If you truly abide in Christ and His words abide in you, you know that unrepentant sinners who follow false prophets, instead of following Christ will be lost and damned.
If we are thoughtless, shallow and superficial in our conviction of the truth of the final suffering of sinners and captives of false prophets, we shall be lukewarm in the ministry of rescuing the perishing. Believing these words of Christ as we should will make us zealous in “pulling them (the deceived sinners) out of the fire” (Jude 23). Knowing the truth as it is in Christ, having the mind of Christ, sharing His agony and compassion for the lost, seeing the reality of the future as Christ sees it, setting our heart and affection only on what Christ counts essential and important, we shall count all things dung and useless in comparison with seeking to save the lost. Eternity is endless. Hell is real. Whatever the cost, warn the followers of false prophets and win them to follow Christ.
THE TRAGEDY OF EMPTY PROFESSION WITHOUT TRUE RIGHTEOUSNESS
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven.” As our Lord, Jesus Christ, was about to conclude the sermon on the mount, He emphasized the ultimate goal of the message, the ultimate goal of His coming and of His sacrifice, the ultimate goal of our faith in Him and fellowship with Him – entering the Kingdom of heaven. He made it clear, beyond any shadow of doubt, that it is not everyone who has some association with Him in the visible Church that will eventually enter into the Kingdom of heaven. He is warning us against self-deception. Mere knowledge that Christ is Lord without making Him Lord of our lives will not grant us any place in His Kingdom. “And why call ye Me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). Great profession of submission to Christ without the possession of grace to obey Him is of no value to Him. Our fine talk, if it is not supported with a faithful walk in His way, the narrow way, is insufficient to obtain an entrance into His Kingdom. Those who do not enter the Kingdom of grace on earth will never enter the Kingdom of glory in heaven. And except we enter the Kingdom of godliness here, we shall not be able to enter the Kingdom of God hereafter.
1.THE INSUFFICIENCY OF SUPERFICIAL DEVOTION WITHOUT REGENERATION
Matthew 7:21; Luke 6:46-49; 13:25-28; Isaiah 58:1,2; Ezekiel 33:31,32;
2 Kings 17:33,34; Titus 1:16; Romans 2:13,16-24; James 2:17,20,26; Revelation 3:1,17-22.
Many churches are filled with people who say “Lord, Lord” but do not obey the Word of God. They profess much with their mouths but do not possess grace in their hearts. They talk of the Lord but they do not walk with the Lord. The most impressive talk about the Lord counts for nothing where genuine conversion is absent. Even the most religious worship is worthless before God if sincere obedience to His Word is lacking. If our heads are enlightened about the Lord as Redeemer but our hearts have not experienced His redemption, what will our knowledge avail us? If our hearts are empty of God’s grace and our lives are devoid of godliness, we shall be weighed in the balances of heaven and found wanting. For our Christian testimony to be acceptable to God, for our profession to receive heaven’s approval, we must be born again, our hearts must be renewed, our will must be surrendered to God, our character must be transformed, our obedience to God’s Word must be from the heart. Personally and practically, we must be DOERS of God’s will before we are qualified to enter His eternal Kingdom.
- THE INSINCERITY OF SENTIMENTAL DISCIPLES DEVOID OF RIGHTEOUSNESS
During the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, many superficial, sentimental followers called Him “Lord” but their hearts did not cleave unto Him. They were not wholeheartedly committed to Him and He could not commit Himself to them.
“A certain man said unto Him, Lord, I will follow Thee whithersoever Thou goest.” “And another also said, Lord, I will follow Thee; but…” (Luke 9:57,61). Like many others, their hearts did not agree with their mouths; their will did not support their words. Lip profession or verbal acknowledgement of the truth concerning Christ will not open the way to eternal enjoyment of Christ’s Kingdom except we have experienced true repentance and sound conversion.
All outward profession will be found useless and soul-damning on the final day of reckoning if it is not accompanied with a gracious character in doing the will of the Father. No matter how loudly we profess to accept Christ and His teaching, unless we are wholeheartedly committed to “doing the will of God from the heart” (Ephesians 6:6), we shall be shockingly disappointed on that day. Obedience to God’s Word is what marks us out as His children.
3.THE INDISPENSABILITY OF STEDFAST DEDICATION TO RIGHTEOUSNESS
Matthew 7:21; 12:49,50; Philippians 2:12-16; 3:6-9; Hebrews 12:11-14;
2 Peter 1:5-11; 1 John 3:1-10; 2 Peter 3:10-14.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). We all want to get to heaven after our life on earth. Are we making any preparation to see our desire or hope fulfilled? Some hope to enter the Kingdom of heaven on the basis of water baptism without repentance, or regular church attendance without being born again, or self-righteousness and good works without “the righteousness which is of God by faith”, or involvement in ministry without freedom from sin and iniquity. Such people are building their hope on the sand.
The religion of head knowledge without heart tranformation is not sufficient to take anyone to heaven. Associating with God’s people, being called ‘brother’ or ‘sister’ by church members, is not enough. That will profit us nothing on the day of judgment when the secrets of men will be brought to the open. “There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness” (Proverbs 30:12). The will of God is that we should forsake all our sins, trust in Christ to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness and follow Him in unwavering obedience all the days of our lives. Then and only then, can we hope to enter into the Kingdom of heaven.
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