“When the head steward tasted the water that had been turned to wine, not knowing where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), he called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and then the cheaper wine when the guests are drunk. You have kept the good wine until now!’” (John 2:9-10 NET)

Drinking wine is one of those topics that has been so misunderstood by sincere brothers and sisters in Christ. For there are some who believe that Jesus made ordinary grape juice at the wedding in Cana. And on the other hand, others say Jesus not only made fermented wine, but drank it as well. So, can we really find any truth in all this? Are there any passages in our bibles that can put this debate to rest? Well, let’s dive into God’s word and find out.

So, for starters, let look at John’s gospel above where Jesus saved a wedding that was about to go sour. For part way through the wedding that he, his mother Mary as well as his disciples were attending; they ended up running out of wine. And when Mary got Jesus involved, he ended up making wine from plain old water. And what happened next? Well, we read above that the head steward said the wine that Jesus made was “good wine.” And not only that, but he admitted that the “good wine” is one that can get the guests drunk as well. I say this because the Greek word for drunk in that passage above is “methyo,” which means “intoxication.”

Now, let’s look at another passage that may help clear up this wine debate. “Now when you come together at the same place, you are not really eating the Lord’s Supper. For when it is time to eat, everyone proceeds with his own supper. One is hungry and another becomes drunk. Do you not have houses so that you can eat and drink? Or are you trying to show contempt for the church of God by shaming those who have nothing? What should I say to you? Should I praise you? I will not praise you for this!” (1 Corinthians 11:20-22 NET) So, we can see that they did serve fermented wine during communion because it made some of them drunk. For again, we see the Greek word “methyo” being used for drunkenness as before.

Therefore, shouldn’t this stop the confusion of whether or not Jesus made fermented wine? Also, this should show that the consumption of alcoholic beverages is not wrong? For not only do we have Jesus himself making fermented wine at a wedding, but we see it being served not only during communion, but at the Passover as well. For we read: “Then he took a cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, saying, “Drink from it, all of you. This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins”.” (Matthew 26:27-28 NIV)

“And don't get drunk with wine, which leads to reckless living, but be filled by the Spirit:” (Ephesians 5:18 CSB)

Now, that being said, we must admit that getting drunk is a sin according to scripture. And if it’s abused to the point of one being a drunkard, it can harm that person’s relationship with God as it says in 1Corinthians 6:10. However, that doesn’t mean that you throw the baby out with the bathwater. Therefore, we shouldn’t demonize something just because there are those that abuse it. Anything can be abused my brothers and sisters in Christ. Sex can be abused. So, does that mean everybody should become celibate? Or, should we stop eating because we may accidentally overeat and thus be viewed as a gluten? No, of course not. So, why should we treat drinking wine differently? For the key to all this my fellow Christians is moderation.

So then, enjoying a glass of wine or some other alcoholic beverage is not a sin as long as you refrain from getting intoxicated. And let’s remember that Jesus himself said: “For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.” (Matthew 11:18-19 ESV) So, they were falsely accusing Jesus of getting drunk. But that being said, doesn’t this also show us that he did drink fermented wine while hanging out with sinners? For why else would they accuse him of this?

But that all being said, if you’re uncomfortable drinking anything that contains alcohol, then by all means don’t do it. For it’s not worth wounding your conscience over. Or if you one who can’t say no to more than one drink, then please do not drink at all. For there is no alcohol beverage out there that’s worth missing heaven over. Amen.

This all being said, we see that there are those who do drink wine and there are those who refrain from drinking wine. Therefore, those who choose not to drink shouldn’t condemn nor look down on those who do. Also, those who do drink wine shouldn’t pressure anyone to take a drink. And let’s take note to what Paul the apostle said: “Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in the way of a brother or sister. I am convinced, being fully persuaded in the Lord Jesus, that nothing is unclean in itself. But if anyone regards something as unclean, then for that person it is unclean. ... So whatever you believe about these things keep between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves.” (Romans 14:13-14, 22 NIV)

Below are some Benefits of Wine:

• “You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that he may bring forth food from the earth and wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make his face shine and bread to strengthen man’s heart. (Psalm 104:14-15 ESV)
• “No longer drink only water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities. (1 Timothy 5:23 NKJV)

Below are the Issues of drinking Wine:

• Woe to those who rise early in the morning, that they may run after strong drink, who tarry late into the evening as wine inflames them!” (Isaiah 5:11 ESV)
• “Don’t gaze at wine because it is red, because it gleams in the cup and goes down smoothly. In the end it bites like a snake and stings like a viper. Your eyes will see strange things, and you will say absurd things. You’ll be like someone sleeping out at sea or lying down on the top of a ship’s mast. “They struck me, but I feel no pain! They beat me, but I didn’t know it! When will I wake up? I’ll look for another drink.” (Proverbs 23:31-35 CSB) 

Bible versions used in this article are listed below to assist you in your study of God's Word:

• ESV = The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• NKJV = New King James Version, © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
• CSB = Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017, 2020 by Holman Bible Publishers.
• NET = The NET Bible®, New English Translation Copyright © 1996 By Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NET Bible® is a registered trademark The NET Bible® Logo, Service Mark Copyright © 1997 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
• NIV = THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

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“When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only?” (Mark 2:5-7 KJV)

This passage above is one of those occasions where the Jews wrongfully accused Jesus of blasphemy. And even though Jesus was fully humans like us, he still had the Holy Spirit dwelling within him. Therefore, he had the power and the ability to forgive sins. And not only that, but he gave this same ability to his disciples as well. For he said to them: ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’ And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven them; if you withhold forgiveness from any, it is withheld’.” (John 20:21-23 ESV) And this should also include us today who are Christ’s disciples.

Please consider what others have to say:

• Jesus also wished to continue his ministry of the forgiveness of sins specifically through the Apostles and their successors. Thus, following his glorious Resurrection, Jesus conferred on the apostles the power to forgive sins, a power Jesus himself had exercised during his earthly ministry. It is recounted in John’s Gospel that, during a resurrection appearance, Jesus met with the apostles and said to them, in particular: “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you. And when he said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven: if you retain the sins of any, they are retained” (John 20: 21-23) Confession, thus, is a resurrection gift from Jesus who has passed on his ministry of forgiving sins … https://catholicstrength.com/

Therefore, couldn’t we rightly say that the Jews were wrongly accusing Jesus of blasphemy? For Jesus, being filled the Holy Spirit was able to performed not only mighty works, but to forgive sins as well. This same ability and works are given to us today who have the Spirit of God dwelling within us. And let’s also consider what Jesus said to his apostles: “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” (Matthew 19:28 ESV) Also, let’s consider what the apostle Paul said concerning us Christians: “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?” (1 Corinthians 6:2-3 KJV)

“If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life - to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that. All wrongdoing is sin, but there is sin that does not lead to death.” (1 John 5:16-17 ESV)

We must realize that our prayers are very powerful and can help bring about forgiveness to a fellow believer. This would be true for only those who have not committed a sin that leads to death. However, if they commit a sin that does lead to death such as apostasy (turning away from Christ), we are told to withhold our prayers as John said above. Again, this fits the words of Jesus who said: “"Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I send you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and said to them, "Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained."” (John 20:21-23 RSV)

Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ; Jesus gave us the power to forgive or not to forgive sins. So then: “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. Elijah was a human being as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the land. Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land produced its fruit.” (James 5:16-18 CSB)

Below we have a few videos by other believers of different denominations showing that Jesus gave us the power to forgive sins as well. And even though some of us may not agree with all of their doctrinal views, we shouldn’t “through the baby out with the bath water.” For this should be the same for all the differing denominations as well. For from what I’ve seen so far, there is no church that gets it totally right in everything. However, that all being said: we can still find truth in every church that confesses Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. And let’s rejoice in that.

• The act of forgiving one's sins
• “Who can forgive sins but God alone?”

God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen.

(Note: Bible texts used in this article are listed below to aid you in your study of God’s word)

• KJV = The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769. Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
• REV = The REV® (Revised English Version®) copyright © 2014 by Spirit & Truth Fellowship International, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reser
• ESV = The Holy Bible, English tandard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• CSB = Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017, 2020 by Holman Bible Publishers.

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“Jacob fathered Joseph the father of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” (Matthew 1:16 REV)

It’s so easy to follow traditions that have been handed down over the years. However, when those traditions involve the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we should make sure it is based on truth. So, let’s examine Matthew’s account of the genealogy. First off, according to the majority of today’s teaching, there is a big problem. For there are supposed to be three sets of fourteen generations. However, if we add all the names mentioned in Matthew’s genealogy, we would see that it only has thirteen generations.

So, how can this be solved so that Matthew’s gospel would be true? Well, in the “Aramaic English New Testament,” the “Revised English Version,” as well as the “Cepher” version, we have Joseph being the “guardian,” or even the “father” of Mary.  And therefore, in Luke’s account of the genealogy, Joseph would then be the literal son of Heli instead of his son-in-law as some proclaim. Therefore, this would mean that Mary’s father and husband both share the same names which wouldn’t be uncommon. For if we read through Luke’s genealogy account, there are others who are named “Joseph” as well.

Now, we must realize that there’s no distinct words for ether husband or wife in the Greek. It simply means a man or a woman. This would be true whether one is single or married. The only way to know how these words are being used is by the context of the passage itself. Therefore, one can be totally wrong by asserting that the passage in Matthew’s gospel is saying “Joseph the husband of Mary.” This would even be truer in light of the confusion surrounding the missing generation in Matthew’s account already covered above. But in the Aramaic language there is a distinct word for husband. And we see this word for husband being used in verse 19 but not in verse 16 of Matthew’s gospel. Therefore, the word used in verse 16 can mean a guardian or even a father.

This all being said, Matthew’s account would be about Mary’s genealogy while Luke’s account is about Joseph her husband (which to me makes more sense). This would clearly solve the confusion surrounding these two genealogies. For there are one too many interpretations that are trying to make sense of the traditional account found in most of our bibles.

Below are a few bibles that do show that Joseph was not the husband of Mary in verse 16 of Matthew's bible:

• “Ya’akov fathered Yosip, the guardian of Maryam, from whom was born Y’shua, who is called the Mashiyach.” (AENT)
• And Ya`aqov begat Yoceph the father of Miryam, of whom was born Yahusha, who is called Mashiach. (Cepher)
• “And Jocob fathered Joseph the father of Mary, from whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ.” (REV)

Below are the commentaries from two of the bible versions mentioned above:

• The Aramaic New Testament: The word gowra designates a protector-male or guardian; the context of this verse determines its specific meaning. Y’shua elsewhere says “which one of gowra, if he has a son…”; obviously “father” is intended. “Gowra” also applies to other forms of protector-male type relationships depending on the context, ... This means that the Yosip in verse 16 (the guardian or ... father of Miriyam (Mary) is not the same Yosip as the husband of Miriyam in verse 19. There is no reason for Matthew to use two different words for the same individual, whereas gowra sometimes means “husband” but can also mean “father”. The other term baalah can only mean “husband”. On the other hand, there would most definitely be a reason to differentiate two men named Yosip, one being the … father, the other the husband of Miriyam. With this differentiation we now have three full sets of 14 generations, which satisfies the demands of verse 17.
• Revised English Version: “father.” The Greek is anēr (#435 ἀνήρ), and means “an adult human male.” Anēr is generally assumed to mean “husband” in this verse, but that cannot be the case. For one thing, the list of the three sets of 14 generations that go from Abraham to Christ (vv. 2-16), makes this impossible. If Joseph is the husband of Mary, there would only be 13 generations in the last list of “14 generations.” Also, the Aramaic text reads differently in this verse than it does in verse 19, and in verse 19 Joseph is unmistakably referred to as the “husband” of Mary. The difference in the vocabulary indicates a difference in the relationship. …The Gospel of Matthew contains the genealogy from David to Jesus via his mother Mary. In contrast, the Gospel of Luke contains the genealogy from David to Jesus via his adopted father, Joseph.

Below are some videos that show that Joseph in Matthew's account is about her father, and not her husband:

• Jesus Lineage Mystery Solved
• Was Joseph the name of both the husband and father of Mary
• Joseph, the Father of Mary (Hebrew Matthew 1:16)

Now, we must be aware of of any false interpretations that have crept into our churches over the years. So, it’s our duty as Christians to always test those things that are being taught. Therefore, I encourage you to: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV) Yes, test all thing and be like those Bereans, for: “These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11 KJV) Yes, test all thing my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, even what’s being said in this article. Then you can come to your own conclusion on what seems true to you.

So, whether you hear a message preached in the streets or from a fancy pulpit in a church, go home and open up your own bible and test what’s being said. Pray always that the Holy Spirit would help you discern between truth and error. For Jesus himself said: “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” (John 14:26 ESV) As well as John the apostle who said: “These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.” (1 John 2:26-27 KJV)

May God bless you as you seek to do His will. Amen.

Note: Bible versions used in this article are listed below to assist in your study on God’s word:

• REV = The REV® (Revised English Version®) copyright © 2014 by Spirit & Truth Fellowship International, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• AENT = Peshitta English Aramaic critical edition. A compilation, annotation and translation of the Eastern original Aramaic New Testament Peshitta text. Compiled, edited & translated with consultation to both the ancient and moder authorities including: The Khabouris Codex and the1905 Critical Edition of the Syriac New Testament by the British and Foreign Bible Society. Copyright © 2012 by Netzari Press LLC. All rights reserved.
• KJV = The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769. Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
• Cepher = Copyright Information not available yet.
• ESV = The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

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“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)

We who are in Christ should rejoice because we have been completely forgiven of our sins. We didn’t earn this forgiveness by following the Mosaic law or the Ten Commandments. For our forgiveness is through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ to the glory of God our Father. So, this “saved through faith” which Paul the apostle mentioned above is not only concerning the curse of the sin of Adam which is upon us all, but it covers any sins that we ourselves have committed as well. “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, with undeserved kindness, declares that we are righteous. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” (Romans 3:23-24 NLT)

Now, being cleansed from our sins, we can now walk after the Spirit and put off all the sins of the flesh. For Paul the apostle goes on to say: “What should we say then? Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply? Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it?” (Romans 6:1-2 CSB) So, in other words, he is saying that we are to do our best to stop sinning. For he also said: “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. For one who has died has been set free from sin.” (Romans 6:6-7 ESV) For even John the apostle said our goal now is to live a sin free life, for he said: “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.” (1 John 1:1 KJV)

Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ, we are to do our best to stop committing sin. However, we’re all in a learning process while being in these earthly bodies. Therefore, we may be prone to make mistakes now and then. Therefore, John goes on to say: “But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father - Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." (1 John 2:1-2 NIV) So, if we do make a mistake and commit some sin, we are to confess it before God and ask for his forgiveness. But please, don’t believe the lie that says we can never stop sinning. For those who believe this may be looking for an excuse to cover their sinful lifestyle.

Below are some passages showing that we weren’t saved by following the law of Moses, but by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ:

• “Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” (Romans 3:27-28 ESV)
• “What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. As it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, and whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame”.” (Romans 9:30-33 NKJV)
• “We are Jews by nature and not sinners from the Gentiles; nevertheless, knowing that a person is not justified by works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the Law; since by works of the Law no flesh will be justified.” (Galatians 2:15-16 NASB20)
• “Behold I, Paul, say to you that if you receive circumcision, Christ will be of no benefit to you. ... For we through the Spirit, by faith, are waiting for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:2, 5-6 NASB95)
• “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace.” (Galatians 5:1-4 ESV)

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (Romans 3:23-24 KJV)

Now, even if one flawlessly keeps the law of Moses, they still would be guilty of sin of Adam and Eve. We see this to be true where we read: “There was in the days of Herod, the king of Judaea, a certain priest named Zacharias, of the course of Abia: and his wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elisabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.” (Luke 1:5-6 KJV) So, we read that they were both righteous and obeyed the commandments and ordinances of God. And because of this, I believe they are with Abraham and the rest of the departed saints of God.  However, because of Adam’s sin, they just like the rest of us, needed Jesus Christ shed blood upon them. For even King David realized this when he said: “Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.” (Psalm 51:5 NIV) Yes, David admits that he had the curse of Adam upon him since the time he was conceived.

So, someone may be asking, “where then are all those who died before the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Are they in heaven or hell.” Well, according to scripture, all those who fallowed and obeyed the law of Moses are in the realm of the departed saints. And on the other hand, those who rejected the law of Moses are in hell. We can see this to be true where we read: “Now it happened that the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham's arms; and the rich man also died and was buried. “And in Hades he raised his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his arms. “And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus, so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame’.” (Luke 16:22-24 NASB20)

So again, all those of the Old Testament who fallowed the true and living God are with Abraham in the realm of the saints. For we also read concerning them that: “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews 11:13-16 NKJV)

And it’s the same for us today. For by turning our lives over to the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we can be cleansed from the curse of Adam’s sin and live a new life through Jesus Christ.

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? (James 2:14 ESV)

The obvious answer to the above question would be a big fat NO. For our faith MUST produce good works. These works clearly show that we have a true saving faith which is from God. Now, these works of faith are not the same as the “works of the law.” For the works of the law concern the Mosaic law which was given my Moses from God. But the works of faith are those which now come from a saving faith in Jesus Christ. So, when Paul said in Romans 3:28: “For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law,” he again is referring to the Old Testament Mosaic law. This however has nothing to do with the works of faith which is required by all Christians today.

So then, as Paul said: “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” (James 2:14-17 ESV) Yes, faith without works is DEAD.

Also, Paul goes on to say: “Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” (James 2:20-26 ESV)

And lastly, let’s take heed to what Jesus himself said concerning us who are in Christ: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. Every branch in me that does not produce fruit he removes, and he prunes every branch that produces fruit so that it will produce more fruit.” (John 15:1-2 CSB) So, those who are not producing good fruit are removed by God. Also Jesus goes on to say: “Remain in me, and I in you. Just as a branch is unable to produce fruit by itself unless it remains on the vine, neither can you unless you remain in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me. If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown aside like a branch and he withers. They gather them, throw them into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15:4-6 CSB)

So, we can see that there are some stern warning in these passages above. For both those who don’t produce fruit and no longer abide in him are cast into the fire which I believe is hell itself. Therefore, let’s abide in him and be producing the good fruit of faith which are our works. Amen.

“And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.” (1 John 3:3 ESV)

So again, we who are in Christ should make it our goal not to sin. For John even goes on to say: “Everyone who makes a practice of sinning also practices lawlessness; sin is lawlessness. You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin. No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him.” (1 John 3:4-6 ESV) So that should make it even more clear that we are to put away all our sins.

“Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil's work. No one who is born of God will continue to sin, because God's seed remains in them; they cannot go on sinning, because they have been born of God.” (1 John 3:7-9 NIV) Wow, now John is saying that those who keep on sinning are doing the works of the devil. And then finally he wraps things up by saying: “No one born of God makes a practice of sinning, for God’s seed abides in him; and he cannot keep on sinning, because he has been born of God. By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.” (1 John 3:9-10 ESV)

• “But everything that was a gain to me, I have considered to be a loss because of Christ. More than that, I also consider everything to be a loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. Because of him I have suffered the loss of all things and consider them as dung, so that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own from the law, but one that is through faith in Christ - the righteousness from God based on faith. My goal is to know him and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, being conformed to his death, assuming that I will somehow reach the resurrection from among the dead. Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:7-14 CSB)

“For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.” (Hebrews 6:4-6 ESV)

We are now getting some strong warnings from the writer of Hebrews. This we see from what we read above and what is coming next: “For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there no longer remains a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation of judgment, and fiery indignation which will devour the adversaries. Anyone who has rejected Moses’ law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him who said, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord. And again, "The LORD will judge His people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Hebrews 10:26-31 NKJV)

Now, let’s take note to what Peter said: “For if, having escaped the world's impurity through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in these things and defeated, the last state is worse for them than the first. For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness than, after knowing it, to turn back from the holy command delivered to them. It has happened to them according to the true proverb: A dog returns to its own vomit, and, ‘A washed sow returns to wallowing in the mud’.” (2 Peter 2:20-22 CSB)

So, brothers and sisters in Christ. We shouldn’t have a halfhearted, lukewarm approach when it comes to following Christ. For we should be all out for Jesus and head over heels in love with God our Father. Yes, we should be doing our best to put off all sins and to always keep the faith without wavering. Therefore: “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:23-25 ESV) Amen to that my fellow Christians.

“What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?” (James 2:14 NASB95)

Now, there may be those who come to the false conclusion that our works has nothing to do with our salvation. However, by taking all scripture into consideration, we can see that works is the evidence of our faith in Christ. For the bible clearly says: “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” (James 2:26 NASB95) Yes, this is true my brothers and sisters in Christ: “And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?” (James 2:25 ESV) And: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness” - and he was called a friend of God. You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” (James 2:21-24 ESV)

Now, it’s true that we Christians where once steeped in the acts of sin. For the bible says: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 KJV) Therefore, we can be faced with the daily struggle of resisting our past sins. And unfortunately, we may at times even find ourselves giving in to those things we hate to do. For as said before, we’re all a work in progress when it comes to putting off sin. However, we shouldn’t have the unscriptural view that says we cannot stop sinning while we’re living in these bodies. For this view could cause us Christians to lose all sense of remorse for our wrong actions. Therefore, let’s instead walk after the Spirit and put off the deeds of the flesh. Amen.

Watch these video concerning the "once saved always saved" teachings:

• Once Saved Always Saved Error
• Is Once Saved Always Saved Biblical?

Below are some more scriptures concerning what was already mentioned above:

• “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20 ESV)
• “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21-23 ESV)
• “And you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved.” (Mark 13:13 ESV)
• “Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36 NKJV)
• “Then you will say, "Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in." That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand fast through faith. So do not become proud, but fear. For if God did not spare the natural branches, neither will he spare you. Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off. And even they, if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in, for God has the power to graft them in again.” (Romans 11:19-23 ESV)
• “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but [only] one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. So they do it to obtain a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way as not to run aimlessly; I box in such a way, as to avoid hitting air; but I strictly discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NASB20)
• “Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you - unless you believed in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:1-2 ESV)
• “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:12-13 ESV)
• “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” (1 Timothy 4:1 NIV)
• “Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to your care. Turn away from godless chatter and the opposing ideas of what is falsely called knowledge, which some have professed and in so doing have departed from the faith. Grace be with you all.” (1 Timothy 6:20-21 NIV)
• “And Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken; but Christ as a son, over his house; whose house are we, if we hold fast our boldness and the glorying of our hope firm unto the end.” (Hebrews 3:5-6 ASV)
• “Beware, brethren, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God.” (Hebrews 3:12 NKJV)
• “But when the righteous turneth away from his righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and doeth according to all the abominations that the wicked man doeth, shall he live? All his righteousness that he hath done shall not be mentioned: in his trespass that he hath trespassed, and in his sin that he hath sinned, in them shall he die.’” (Ezekiel 18:24 KJV)

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." (John 15:1-2 NIV)

Now, it is clear from this chapter above that those Christians (the branches) who are not producing any fruit are removed from Christ. Also, it is clear that they could end up in hell as well. For Jesus goes on to say: “If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.” (John 15:6 NIV) So, let’s have the same attitude as Paul the apostle who said: “Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it. And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown. Therefore I run thus: not with uncertainty. Thus I fight: not as one who beats the air. But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I have preached to others, I myself should become disqualified.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-27 NKJV)

Yes, brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s be always: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 KJV) And may we do this through the power of the Holy Spirit within us. This we should do for the praise and glory of God our Father, in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

So again, let’s do our best to always walk after the Spirit and bear fruit for our God. And by doing so, we can put off the sins of the flesh. And if we do make a mistake now and then, let’s immediately turn to God and repent. For God does promises us forgiveness if we do so. For: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 CSB) And let’s remember that works is only the result of our faith, and not the other way around. Therefore, true faith should naturally produce fruit. For Jesus did say: “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5 ESV) So then, let us walk after the Spirit and always do our best to please God in everything we think, say and do. For in doing so, God will give us true joy, peace and pleasure as well. Because: “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” (Isaiah 26:3-4 ESV) Amen.
 

Note: Bible versions used in this article have been listed below in more detail to assist you in your study of God’s word:

• KJV = The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769. Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
• ESV = The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• CSB = Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017, 2020 by Holman Bible Publishers.
• NIV = THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.
• NKJV = Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• ASV = New American Standard Bible Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.
• NASB95 = New American Standard Bible 1995 Copyright (c) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserve.
• NLT = Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
• NASB20 = New American Standard Bible 2020 Copyright (c) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.

“Now there was a rich man and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, making good cheer in splendor every day. And there was a poor man, by name Lazarus, who was laid at his gateway full of sores, and desiring to be filled with the crumbs which fell from the table of the rich man; but the dogs also coming licked his sores.” (Luke 16:19-21 DBY)

Just saying something meaningless that has no real value would be unfruitful and unproductive. So, when Jesus spoke of the rich man and Lazarus, would he just be throwing out some random name in a parable that’s not true? For Jesus himself said: “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.” (Matthew 12:36-37 KJV) Therefore, could this be not just some parable that Jesus spoke, but an actual event that did happen? I say this because Jesus is mentioning someone by name which we've never see happening in any of his parables.

Therefore Christians, it’s our job to find out who Jesus is talking about here. And if you read through that same passage mentioned above, you would notice that Lazarus above both died and was being comforted in the arms of Abraham. Therefore, couldn’t this Lazarus be Mary and Martha’s brother who both died and was raised from the dead? I say this because the “rich man” who was suffering in hell was asking that Lazarus would be sent back in order that his brothers would be warned about hell. For we read: “Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.” (Luke 16:27-28 KJV)

Now, if this is about Mary and Martha’s brother Lazarus, I wouldn't view him some common beggar. For the majority of translations don’t use the word “beggar,” but they use the word “poor” instead. For even some of the disciples of Jesus were not wealthy but poor. For we read: “And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 6:20 ESV) Even Paul the apostle acknowledged that there are Christians (including himself) who are lacking in goods when he said: “We put no obstacle in anyone's way, so that no fault may be found with our ministry, but as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: by great endurance, in afflictions, hardships, calamities, ... as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.” (2 Corinthians 6:3-4, 10 ESV)

And let’s not forget that even our Lord Jesus Christ was viewed as being poor, for we read: “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” (2 Corinthians 8:9 NASB20)

Below are other verses concerning those who are poor:

• “Now when John heard in prison about the deeds Christ had done, he sent his disciples to ask a question: “Are you the one who is to come, or should we look for another?” Jesus answered them, “Go tell John what you hear and see: The blind see, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news proclaimed to them”.” (Matthew 11:2-5 NET)
• “A poor widow came and put in two small copper coins, which amount to a cent. Calling His disciples to Him, He said to them, “Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all the contributors to the treasury; for they all put in out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in all she owned, all she had to live on”.” (Mark 12:42-44 NASB95)
• “So he replied to the messengers, “Go back and report to John what you have seen and heard: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me”.” (Luke 7:22-23 NIV)
• “For it hath pleased them of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints which are at Jerusalem.” (Romans 15:26 KJV)
• “For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?” (James 2:2-4 KJV)
• “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?” (James 2:5 KJV)

So, that all be said, Lazarus could have been viewed as being poor according to this world’s standards. This may have been the case with his two sisters, Mary and Martha as well. And thus, falling into some sickness and no longer being able to provide for himself, he could have been laid at the gate of a wealthy man. This with the hope that the rich man would show mercy and provide food and medical help for him. However, we know that he didn’t. Now, even though Lazarus did desire that the rich man would help him, he may not have begged as some normally would. For King David said: “I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken or his children begging for bread.” (Psalm 37:25 ESV) And thus, we have the account of the “rich man and Lazarus” which I believe is not some parable at all, but an actual event that took place. Therefore, I believe that both accounts of Lazarus in Luke and John’s gospels are one and the same person.

“And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.” (Luke 16:22-24 KJV)

Now, as we already have read above, the rich man was asking Abraham to send Lazarus back to warn his brothers not to make the same mistake he did. And we know that Abraham wasn’t convinced that this would change their hearts. However, we know that God always has the last say in all things. So, couldn’t it be possible that God granted the rich man’s passionate cry? For we do read: “Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me. And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth. And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.” (John 11:41-44 KJV)

Below is a passage of scripture that supports what was mentioned above:

• “Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. ... Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. ... Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. ... These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. ... Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead.” (John 11:1, 3, 5-6, 11, 13-14 KJV)

God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen

Note: Bible versions used in this article are listed below to aid you in your study of God’s word:

• DBY = John Nelson Darby’s translation of the bible.
• KJV = The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769. Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
• ESV = The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers.
• NET = The NET Bible®, New English Translation Copyright © 1996 By Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NET Bible® is a registered trademark The NET Bible® Logo, Service Mark Copyright © 1997 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
• New American Standard Bible 1995 Copyright (c) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.
• HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.

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“Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to him, ‘Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.’ Jesus answered him, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God’.” (John 3:1-3 ESV)

Nicodemus acknowledged the fact that Jesus was sent from God. So, what does Jesus do right off the bat? Well, he gets right down to the heart of the matter by saying “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Obviously, this statement was confusing to Nicodemus. So, Jesus then gets to the point by saying: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.” (John 3:5-6 ESV) So, Jesus clearly showed Nicodemus that there needs to be first a natural birth before a Spiritual birth. We can see this more plainly using the NLT bible which says: “Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life.” (John 3:6 NLT)

Now, does being “born again” only apply to adults? I ask this because Jesus did say: “But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.” (Matthew 18:6 NKJV) So, Jesus said that there are children that believe in him. Also, we read that he had a stern warned for those who would try to corrupt them with sin. And let’s not forget what Jesus said in John’s gospel: “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day.” (John 6:44 ESV) Therefore, I personally believe that little children can have a saving faith in God as well. “But Jesus called them to him, saying, “Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God”.” (Luke 18:16 ESV)

"Or like a miscarriage which is hidden, I would not exist, As infants that never saw light.” (Job 3:16 NASB20)

Now, this may raise some questions regarding aborted or stillborn babies. And one of those questions would be whether or not they’re going to exist in the afterlife. Well, I do have to say that it must be heartbreaking for one to unintentionally lose their baby during a pregnancy. Therefore, we should comfort them and remind them that they are not guilty nor responsible for its death. However, on the other hand, it’s a horrible thing for someone to willfully extinguish life in the womb. For those who do such are guilty of murder and must repent of their sin. But again, Jesus did say that one must first be physically born and then be Spiritually born in order to enter into the kingdom of God.

Now, I know that there may be those who may not see eye to eye on what’s being said here. For there may be some of you who believes that all stillborn or aborted babies are in heaven. Well, even though I'm not convened that this is absolutely true, I'm in no way going to argue against any hope that one may have otherwise. However, I’m hoping that we can all agree that it’s wrong for someone to say that it’s better to abort a baby than to let them be raised by sinners. For they claim that they will go straight to haven. But again, there is no scripture that plainly says that this is true. This kind of talk only encouraging abortion advocates to continue in their campaign of murdering innocent babies. Therefore, we should tell those who are involved in abortion to stop this evil. This would be true, not only for those who are performing it, but those who willingly receiving it as well. For again, this is MURDER and according to God’s word, murderers will end up in the Lake of Fire if they don’t stop and repent of their sins. (see Revelations 21:8)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 KJV)

So, for those of you who had an abortion or even had performed one, please repent of your sins. For according to that passage above, God will wipe you clean of all your sins. Therefore: “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If ye be willing and obedient, ye shall eat the good of the land: But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.” (Isaiah 1:18-20 KJV) Yes, God will forgive you if you truly repent and turn from these wicked acts. However, if you refuse, you could end up in the lake of fire as we already read. So again, please repent and turn from your sins in order to receive internal life today. Amen.

Below are comments from others:

• Jesus said, “Unless a man is born of the water and of the Spirit.” Now, what does He mean water and Spirit? We know what it is to be born of the Spirit. What is He referring to being born of the water? There are those who declare that He is talking about water baptism. Unless you have been baptized in water, you’re not going to see the kingdom of heaven, and that born of the water refers to water baptism. I do not believe that Jesus is referring to water baptism here, because I believe that there are people who have gone through the ritual of water baptism who are not going to see the kingdom of heaven. It was only a ritual. But it would seem to me that being born of the water would be a reference to our natural birth, as the fetus is in that water sack being protected, and then there is the water bursting and the child is born. To be born of the water would refer to the natural birth, because in context then, Jesus said, “That which is born of the flesh is flesh, but that which born of the Spirit is spirit.” And so, He's talking about the two births: born of the water, and born of the Spirit. And that the born of the Spirit is referring to the new birth, the spiritual birth that we have, where born of the water would refer to the fleshly birth. (By the late Pastor Chuck Smith of Calvary Chapel)
• When Nicodemus approached Jesus, Christ informed the Pharisee that he must be “born of water” AND a spiritual birth. There has been much question as to what “born of water” means. Many hold incorrectly that it is referring to water baptism. There are also other thoughts about what it means. The Bible makes it clear that “born of water” is referring to the natural birth. When a mother cries, “My water has broken,” shortly thereafter a child is delivered from the amniotic water where the baby safely resided inside his mother for many months. This is the “born of water” to which these verses refer. … This spiritual birth happens when one first realizes he is a sinner, and realizes he is bound for Hell because of his sins. To change destinations to be with God in His heaven, one must believe and trust that there is nothing one can do to get rid of the wages of their sin — an eternity in the Lake of Fire. There is, however, one that has already paid for our sins. That is Jesus. He died on the Cross, not for anything He had done, but He died as payment for our sins. When we believe His shed blood is payment for our sin debt and ask Him to be our Savior, we can have God’s promise of eternity with Him. It is then one experiences the spiritual birth. One is then “born-again. Comment from Bill Brinkworth at: https://www.devotionsfromthebible.com/john/born-of-water/

The bible translations used in this article are listed below to assist you in your study of God word:

• KJV = The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769. Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown
• ESV = The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• NKJV = Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• NASB20 = New American Standard Bible 2020 Copyright (c) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserve
• NLT = Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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To the Reader: This article is based on the subject of suicide that may be difficult for most of us to hear, including myself. So, why am I even writing about it? Well, because I have seen and witnessed the devastation that it can bring to a family. Therefore, I want to warn and encourage others to stay clear of this destructive act. 

And yes, I know that there are differing opinions concerning the fate of those who have committed this act upon themselves. Therefore, we should use grace when it comes to these differing views. For God himself has the final say on where someone will be spending eternity. However, we must at the same time stand upon God’s word for all things. This would be true even when faced with the ones that we’re uncomfortable with.

So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at what the scriptures teach in order to get a better understanding of this controversial, yet important subject. So then, my brothers and sisters in Christ: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15 KJV). Amen.

“When Judas, who had betrayed him, realized that Jesus had been condemned to die, he was filled with remorse. So he took the thirty pieces of silver back to the leading priests and the elders. “I have sinned,” he declared, “for I have betrayed an innocent man.” “What do we care?” they retorted. “That’s your problem.” Then Judas threw the silver coins down in the Temple and went out and hanged himself.” (Matthew 27:3-5 NLT)

Judas, who was a disciple of Jesus was complaining about a woman who was using expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet. However, Jesus rebuked him for this in front of everybody present (see John 12:4-6). So, what happened next? “Then one of the twelve, whose name was Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, ‘What will you give me if I deliver him over to you?’ And they paid him thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment he sought an opportunity to betray him.” (Matthew 26:14-16 ESV) So, Judas made his way to the priest to betray Jesus. However, after seeing Jesus being condemned to death, Judas felt remorseful for what he did. So, he went back to the priests and confessed that he did wrong. However, they had no mercy or comforting words for him. Therefore, apparently feeling guilty and full of despair, he went out and hanged himself. This was a sad and disappointing ending for Judas who betrayed his Lord.

“For the Son of Man must die, as the Scriptures declared long ago. But how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born!” (Matthew 26:24 NLT)

So, where is Judas right know? Well, according to what Jesus said above, it’s apparent that Judas didn’t enter a place of paradise. For Jesus did say “how terrible it will be for the one who betrays him. It would be far better for that man if he had never been born.” So, even though Judas realized what he did was wrong, he didn’t seek forgiveness from Jesus, nor did he run to the other disciples to confess that he had sinned. And again, because he felt he was not worthy to live, he ended up killing himself. And unfortunately, we see this happening today as well. For so many people (including those who profess Christ) for one reason or another feel that they need to end their own life. But what they don’t know is that they leave behind them family, friends and acquaintances who are devastated, perplexed and heartbroken. For as said before, I myself have been a witness of the devastating effect that it has on others.

Therefore, brothers and sisters in Christ, shouldn’t we be making it our aim to discourage and warn others to stay clear of this act. This would be true whether they are confessing Christians or not. For when I search God’s word, the only thing I can compare suicide to is: “you shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13 ESV). And with that in mind, let’s remember that Revelation 21:8 says that murderers will end up in the Lake of Fire. But again, only God knows what's going through minds of those who take their own life. Therefore, (from what I see) we must leave the final judgment up to God himself.

So, God help us to stand strong as Paul the apostle did who suffered much in his walk with Christ. For even after receiving a heavenly revelation, he was harassed by a messenger of Satan. For we read: “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10 ESV)

So then, let’s make it our aim to encourage and pray for those who are suffering and hurting. This would also be true for those who do not know Christ as well. For we should be sharing the grace of God with them and letting them know that God gives us the strength to endure all things. Amen.

Below are a few things that Paul the apostle suffered and endured for the glory of God. Now I must say that it sounds like he and his traveling companion were suffering so much that they desired that their life would be taken from them. Yet, we see form scripture that they never tried to take this action upon themselves but instead trusted fulling in the Lord: 

• “We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about the troubles we experienced in the province of Asia. We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt we had received the sentence of death. But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and he will deliver us again. On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us.” (2 Corinthians 1:8-10 NIV)
• “Are they servants of Christ? (I am talking like I am out of my mind!) I am even more so: with much greater labors, with far more imprisonments, with more severe beatings, facing death many times. Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with a rod. Once I received a stoning. Three times I suffered shipwreck. A night and a day I spent adrift in the open sea. I have been on journeys many times, in dangers from rivers, in dangers from robbers, in dangers from my own countrymen, in dangers from Gentiles, in dangers in the city, in dangers in the wilderness, in dangers at sea, in dangers from false brothers, in hard work and toil, through many sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, many times without food, in cold and without enough clothing. Apart from other things, there is the daily pressure on me of my anxious concern for all the churches. Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with indignation? If I must boast, I will boast about the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is blessed forever, knows I am not lying. In Damascus, the governor under King Aretas was guarding the city of Damascus in order to arrest me, but I was let down in a rope-basket through a window in the city wall, and escaped his hands.” (2 Corinthians

“Then Samson called to the LORD and said, “Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me just this time, O God, that I may at once take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes.” Then Samson grasped the two middle pillars on which the house rested, and braced himself against them, the one with his right hand and the other with his left. And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines!" And he pushed outwards powerfully, so that the house fell on the governors and all the people who were in it. And the dead whom he killed at his death were more than those whom he killed during his lifetime.” (Judges 16:28-30 NASB20)

Okay, some may be wondering if Samson committed suicide because of that passage above. Because not only did he ask God to give him strength to take vengeance on the Philistines, but he also said: “Let me die with the Philistines.” However, I personally don’t see this to be an act of suicide. I say this because Samson left both of these requests in the hands of God. Therefore, God had had the power to except or deny his request? For Samson’s main intent was to destroy the Philistines which was God’s plane for him all along. For God said to Samson’s mother: “For, lo, thou shalt conceive, and bear a son; and no razor shall come on his head: for the child shall be a Nazarite unto God from the womb: and he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.” (Judges 13:5 KJV) So, we see that Sampson was raised up to help free Israel from their enemy. Therefore, just like a good soldier who is following the orders of his commander; Samson was willing to do what God called him to do. And yes, even if it meant losing his own life in the process. For he probably realized that if this building is coming down, it’s going to fall on him as well. And let’s remember that even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was willing to laid down his own life for us all as well?

So, Sampson was raised up to help free Israel from their enemy. Therefore, just like a good soldier who is following the orders of his commander; Samson was willing to do what God called him to do. And yes, even if it meant losing his own life in the process. For he probably realized that if this building is coming down, it’s going to fall on him as well. And let’s remember that even our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ was willing to laid down his own life for us all as well? For we read: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2 KJV)

• “And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets - who through faith conquered kingdoms, enforced justice, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight. … Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 11:32-34, 12:1-2 ESV)

Now, there was a few more saints of God who asked God to take their lives. The first is Elisha the prophet. For we read concerning him: “But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree; and he requested for himself that he might die, and said, “It is enough; now, O LORD, take my life, for I am not better than my fathers”.” (1 Kings 19:4 NASB95) So, Elisha fled into the wilderness and requested that he would die there. However, we know that God did not grant his request, for God used a raven to bring him food so that he would not die.

Next, we have Jonah the prophet. For he proclaimed to the Ninevites that God is going to destroy them all. However, upon hearing this, they repented of their sins, which in turn caused God to forgive them all. This caused Jonah to get mad, for we read: “But it greatly displeased Jonah, and he became angry. Then he prayed to the LORD and said, “Please LORD, was this not what I said when I was still in my own country? Therefore in anticipation of this I fled to Tarshish, since I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abundant in mercy, and One who relents of disaster. "So now, LORD, please take my life from me, for death is better to me than life.” (Jonah 4:1-3 NASB20) So, Jonah wanted to die after seeing God spared Ninevah. But Just as Elisha, God didn’t answer Jonah request.

Therefore, we shouldn’t use any of these examples as an excuse to justify the act of suicide. For Samson, Elisha and Jonah left their request to die in the hands of God himself. Therefore, from what I can see, there are no scriptures that give anyone permission to take their own life from them.

Now, I know that suicide is a very sensitive and debatable topic. Therefore, we’re going to see disagreements in one degree or another. However, we should all agree that suicide is an act of putting to death one’s own life. Also, we should agree that it can have a lasting devastating effect on others as well. And as said before, we know that God has the final say and judgment in the end. For we know whatever he decides to do will be right and just. For he is a merciful God and understands perfectly our situations in all things. But again, we must not make light of suicide especially in light of God’s sixth commandment already mentioned before.

Therefore, whether we’re being chastened by the Lord for our wrongs, having our faith tested, or even being attacked by the devil, let’s not lose faith and hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. For our Lord is with us in both good times and bad. For: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” (Philippians 4:13 KJV)

So again, let’s make it our aim to encourage one another to keep the faith and not to lose hope. Also, let’s make sure we’re preaching Christ to those who are suffering ether emotionally or physically. This would be true whether they are professing Christian or not. Amen.

Consider some scripture below:

• “My son, despise not the chastening of the LORD; neither be weary of his correction: For whom the LORD loveth he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.” (Proverbs 3:11-12 KJV)
• “Think of him who endured such opposition against himself by sinners, so that you may not grow weary in your souls and give up. You have not yet resisted to the point of bloodshed in your struggle against sin. And have you forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as sons? “My son, do not scorn the Lord’s discipline or give up when he corrects you. For the Lord disciplines the one he loves and chastises every son he accepts.” Endure your suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is there that a father does not discipline? But if you do not experience discipline, something all sons have shared in, then you are illegitimate and are not sons. Besides, we have experienced discipline from our earthly fathers and we respected them; shall we not submit ourselves all the more to the Father of spirits and receive life? For they disciplined us for a little while as seemed good to them, but he does so for our benefit, that we may share his holiness. Now all discipline seems painful at the time, not joyful. But later it produces the fruit of peace and righteousness for those trained by it.” (Hebrews 12:3-11 NET)

Below is a comment from Saint Augustine concerning suicide:

• “For if it is not lawful to take the law into our own hands, and slay even a guilty person, whose death no public sentence has warranted, then certainly he who kills himself is a homicide, and so much the guiltier of his own death … It is not without significance, that in no passage of the holy canonical books there can be found either divine precept or permission to take away our own life, whether for the sake of entering on the enjoyment of immortality, or of shunning, or ridding ourselves of anything whatever. Nay, the law, rightly interpreted, even prohibits suicide, where it says, Thou shalt not kill. … Thou shalt not kill, there is no limitation added nor any exception made in favor of any one, and least of all in favor of him on whom the command is laid. … The commandment is, ‘Thou shall not kill man;’ therefore neither another nor yourself, for he who kills himself still kills nothing else than man … For suicide we cannot cite the example of patriarchs, prophets, or apostles; though our Lord Jesus Christ, when He admonished them to flee from city to city if they were persecuted, might very well have taken that occasion to advise them to lay violent hands on themselves, and so escape their persecutors. But seeing He did not do this, nor proposed this mode of departing this life … And, at all events, if it be true, as the truth plainly declares, that suicide is a detestable and damnable wickedness.”

God bless you as you seek to do his will. Amen

(Note: Bible versions used in this article are listed below to assist you in your study of God’s word.)

• KJV = The Authorized Version or King James Version (KJV), 1611, 1769. Outside of the United Kingdom, the KJV is in the public domain. Within the United Kingdom, the rights to the KJV are vested in the Crown.
• ESV = The Holy Bible, English Standard Version copyright © 2001, 2007, 2011, 2016 by Crossway Books and Bibles, a Publishing Ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
• NLT = Holy Bible, New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
• NASB20 = New American Standard Bible 2020 Copyright (c) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.
• NASB95 = New American Standard Bible 1995 Copyright (c) 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, Calif. All rights reserved.
• NET = The NET Bible®, New English Translation Copyright © 1996 By Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. NET Bible® is a registered trademark The NET Bible® Logo, Service Mark Copyright © 1997 by Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
• NIV = THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by Permission of Biblica, Inc.® All rights reserved worldwide.

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