Christian ambassador (Shawn Brasseaux)

What Must I Do to Be Saved?

December 11, 2008

by Shawn Brasseaux

If you were to ask the average church member, “What must I do to be saved?,” you will get a myriad of answers. Most professing Christians give contradicting instructions to this simple question. For instance, most Protestants believe that you can be saved by faith in Christ alone, without works. However, Roman Catholics believe that you must have faith in Christ and good works. Which is it? Faith alone? Or faith plus works?

Some tell us to “join the church” to receive salvation or “ask Jesus into our hearts,” or “make Jesus the Lord of your life.” Others encourage us to “repent and be baptized,” “go to mass,” “confess your sins,” “keep the Ten Commandments,” “pray in tongues,” “repent of your sins,” and “pray the sinner’s prayer.” There are over 38,000 denominations each with their own agenda and preferred doctrine. Who is right? What must you do to be saved? As one Christian expressed it, “Denominationalism is the worse thing that ever happened to Christianity!”

In this Bible study, we want to examine some common Bible verses taken out of context that have absolutely nothing to do with you and me today in this the Dispensation of the Grace of God! The Apostle Paul wrote, “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). We need to separate what instructions were given to the nation Israel from the instructions that God gave us Gentiles in the Dispensation of Grace. Because people are not “rightly dividing” the Scriptures as 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV says, we get the following jumbled mess of doctrines and confusion.

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“FOR SALVATION, MUST I REPENT AND BE BAPTIZED?” (NO!)

Oftentimes, denominationalists will use Acts 2:38 for a ‘salvation invitation:’ “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Now, before we try to force this verse on someone who wants to be saved today, we must first understand that Acts 2:38 has a context. Acts 2:38 is God’s message to the nation Israel on the day of Pentecost—it is not directed to us! Acts 2:14,22,36 all show us that Acts chapter 2 is God’s message to “the house of Israel.” This message has nothing to do with us.

The nation Israel needed to repent because they had killed their Messiah-King, Jesus of Nazareth. The Jews had to change their mind and recognize Jesus as their Messiah, instead of rejecting Him like they had previously done. Are you a Jew? Have you just murdered your Messiah-King? Are you under Law like those Jews were, or are you under grace? Then why are you following Acts 2:38?

According to Romans 6:14-15, we are not under the law, but under grace. For you in this Dispensation of Grace, there is no repentance and water baptism necessary for salvation because Paul makes it explicitly clear that we cannot work for our salvation, and repentance and water baptism are works. Notice the following passages:

Romans 3:24-28 KJV:

“24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

According to this passage, what is necessary for salvation? Faith and works, or faith alone? Notice God is “the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (verse 26)—this did not say, “him which has repented as was baptized.” Faith in Christ is the issue; not water baptism and repentance. “…A man is justified by faith WITHOUT the deeds of the law.”

Romans 4:4,5 KJV:“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”

Again, works are not the issue; faith in Christ Jesus is the issue. Romans 11:6 KJV says: “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.” Galatians 2:21 KJV says: “I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” And Ephesians 2:8,9 KJV: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast.” Finally, Titus 3:5 KJV: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”

Repentance follows salvation (see 2 Corinthians 7:9-11). Furthermore, Biblical repentance is a change in mind, not feeling sorry for your sins or turning from your sins (as religion often claims).

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“FOR SALVATION, MUST I DO GOOD WORKS?” (NO!)

By twisting James 2:24—“Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only”—the works-religionists try to convince you that you need to do a multitude of good works to merit salvation. The problem is that James 2:24 has a context, and that context has nothing to do with us.

Firstly, James was an apostle to Israel under the Mosaic Law (Galatians 2:9). Like we said earlier, we are not Jews, and we are not under the Law (Romans 6:14,15). Jews in Israel’s program could not be saved by faith alone, for works were also necessary (Matthew 19:16-22; Mark 16:16): good works were to “perfect” their faith (James 2:22). Believers in Israel’s program had to have faith and then do good works to receive salvation.

In our Dispensation of Grace, we do not have to do good works as part of salvation. We do not have to “endure unto the end.” You can do good works all the days of your life and still be no closer to heaven than you were before! For you in this dispensation of Grace, there are no good works necessary for salvation. Again, we are not saved by doing good works today. Let us refer back to our previous verses.

Romans 3:24-28 KJV:

“24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:
25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God;
26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith.
28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”

According to this passage, what is necessary for salvation? Faith and works, or faith alone? Notice God is “the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus” (verse 26)—this did not say, “him which has kept the law.” Faith in Christ is the issue; not good works. “…A man is justified by faith WITHOUT the deeds of the law.”

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“FOR SALVATION, MUST I CONFESS MY SINS?” (NO!)

Religion’s “short account system” of confessing sins is a misunderstanding of 1 John 1:9 KJV: “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” This verse has nothing to do with us for three reasons.

Primarily, we do not practice 1 John 1:9 because John is Israel’s apostle (Galatians 2:9). Again, Paul is our apostle, not John (Romans 11:13). The doctrine found in 1 John belongs in Israel’s prophetic program, not our mystery program (the Dispensation of Grace). Confession of sins was Israel’s doctrine under the Mosaic Law (Leviticus 16:21; Leviticus 26:40; Numbers 5:6,7; Ezra 10:1; Daniel 9:20; et al.). Furthermore, in Matthew 3:6 and Mark 1:5 John the Baptist water baptized Jews who confessed their sins.

Secondly, 1 John 1:9 is NOT written to saved people, it is directed to lost Jews. We read in 1 John 2:12, “I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.” Apparently, there are two groups of people in 1 John: some saved (forgiven), and some lost (not forgiven). In 1 John 1:9 John urges lost Jews to confess their sins in order to be saved.

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“FOR SALVATION, WHAT MUST I DO?”

Like we said earlier, you are a non-Jew, a Gentile, and you live in the Dispensation of Grace; you are not living in Israel’s program, and you are not expected to follow Israel’s directions for salvation. You need to be following the instructions God gave of the apostle of the Gentiles—the Apostle Paul (Romans 11:13; Romans 15:16; 2 Timothy 1:11).

Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16 KJV). And 1 Corinthians 1:21 KJV: “For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.” Romans 3:24 says, “Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus:” The word “freely” means without cost to us. Verse 26 says: “To declare, I say, at this time his [God’s] righteousness: that he [God the Father] might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.”

None of these verses said anything about works for salvation; those who are believe (trust) in Jesus are saved, not those who work (cf. Romans 4:1-5; Ephesians 2:8,9). The issue is not tongues, penance, confession, tithing, church membership, water baptism, repentance, or anything else religion often uses to muddle up the simplicity of the Gospel of Grace. We are sinners, and we can do nothing to please God and merit salvation. The Mosaic Law condemns us; it does not make us “fit for heaven.” Romans 3:19,20 explain: “Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” How can we sinners be made righteous before God? We must be made the “righteousness of God in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

Our salvation and fellowship with God is independent of our performance. We are forgiven, apart from anything we have done. In Colossians 2:13, our Apostle Paul tells us that we are “forgiven of all trespasses [in Christ].” Ephesians 4:32 says, “God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” We are forgiven (past tense), not because of anything we have done, but because of Christ’s finished crosswork on Calvary. In Christ, we have unbroken fellowship with God forever and ever. How many times can we be forgiven of “all trespasses?” Only once. In Christ, now and forever, we are forgiven of all sins—past, present, and future!

So, what must you do to be saved? That is what the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas, and Paul’s answer was “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved” (Acts 16:31). Again, there was no reference to water baptism, speaking in tongues, tithing, church membership, and so on. “Believe” literally means having faith or trust in Christ Jesus alone. When we trust in Christ Jesus alone, the Holy Spirit will take us and baptize us into the Church the Body of Christ, and we will be saved forever (Ephesians 4:30). Then, after salvation, good works will follow (Galatians 5:22,23; Ephesians 2:10; Titus 3:8).

In 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, we find the Gospel of the Grace of God, the Gospel which we must trust completely if we are to receive salvation from God. The Gospel of Grace, also known as Paul’s Gospel, is that “Christ died for our sins [His blood was shed], according to the Scriptures, He was buried, and He rose again the third day, according to the Scriptures.” Place your faith in this Gospel alone, and forget meriting salvation. Faithless good works do not appease God!

*** SALVATION = FAITH + NOTHING ***

“8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
(Ephesians 2:8,9 KJV)

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Golden Matrimony

November 28, 2008

by Shawn Brasseaux

Today, I attended a party to celebrate my friends’ 50th (golden) wedding anniversary! Mr. Nolan Guilbeau and his wife, Barbara, have known my parents for nearly 30 years, and Mr. Guilbeau is the older Christian with whom I write about Scriptural matters in our local newspaper.

Earlier this evening, Mr. Guilbeau was sharing some marital advice that I would like to pass on to you all. Here, we minister to many young people, and most of America’s young adults are ignorant of this advice. We would not have widespread marital problems if we would just listen to God’s Word and apply it by faith! I hope that all of you keep this advice in mind when getting into intimate relationships. Never forget that marriage is one of the greatest gifts the Lord Jesus Christ gave the human race, and if not tended properly, the union will dissolve.

Mr. and Mrs. Guilbeau both acknowledge that their marriage was not perfect. Marriage is fun, as it should be, but it is a huge responsibility. The human race has fallen into sin; we will always have conflict and disagreements. However, do not get physically abusive with your spouse: there is no violence in true love. Marriage is a “two-way street;” that is, both the husband and the wife have needs to be met (these needs must be met by the spouse, or the relationship will disintegrate). I am certainly no marriage counselor; however, the Lord created marriage, and He knows all the complexities that matrimony entails. Why not let Him tell us how He designed marriage to work?

It is very important that if you are a true, Holy Spirit-indwelt believer, please marry someone who is also a member of the Body of Christ. The Lord makes it explicitly clear that Christians are not to marry unbelievers, and Christians are not to even date unbelievers under any circumstances. The Scriptures make it very clear in 1 Corinthians 7:39 that Christians are to marry “only in the Lord.” Here is one crucial verse that is often ignored today regarding marriage.

The Apostle Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV:

“14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.”

First and foremost, in the above verses, the Holy Spirit through Paul taught that we should not mix with unbelievers in religious gatherings. Moreover, these verses would obviously forbid courtship and marital relationships with any people who have not trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ’s finished crosswork as sufficient payment for their sins. It also means that we do have intimate relationships or religious gatherings with denominational people (who do not understand and appreciate Paul’s special ministry, who are steeped in religious tradition, et cetera). Why? The day will come when you will have to choose between the Lord and the unbelieving spouse: then what will you do? Will you sacrifice the Bible and your life in Jesus Christ just to appease the unbelieving spouse? Many Christians are faced with such a dilemma, and we need to avoid it. We do not marry lost people, and we do not marry denominational people. These relationships will only hinder God working in and through us grace believers.

The relationship between the Lord Jesus Christ and the Church the Body of Christ, is the example of how the husband is to relate to his wife. How often Christian couples completely disregard or abuse these verses. Ephesians 5:21-33 contains the Lord’s wisdom regarding marriage. As long as the Lord Jesus Christ is put first in the marriage relationship, it will survive and bring glory and honor to Him. Married couples, or couples considering marriage, should study Ephesians 5:21-33 KJV in great detail:

“21 Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.
22 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord.
23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.
24 Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in every thing.
25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it;
26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,
27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
28 So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself.29 For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church:
30 For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
31 For this cause shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh.
32 This is a great mystery: but I speak concerning Christ and the church.
33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”

Colossians 3:18,19 further supplies God’s doctrine regarding marriage in this the Dispensation of Grace: “Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.”

The wife should acknowledge the husband’s headship over the household (Ephesians 5:22-24), but—and here is the important point—the husband is not to be a taskmaster who lords and controls his wife’s every move. The Lord Jesus is the Head of the Church, just as the husband is the head of the wife. The Lord is not a dictator over the Church which is His Body; likewise, the husband should not dominate and bully his wife. Jesus Christ does not take away our free will, and neither should the husband take away the free will of his wife.

Husbands are commanded to love their wives (Ephesians 5:25; Colossians 3:19), to the point where they would give their own lives for the sake of their wives’ (Ephesians 5:25,28,29). Remember, the Lord Jesus Christ loved the Church so much that He gave His life to save it (Ephesians 5:25). If the husband truly loves his wife, the wife by instinct will love him in return. If Jesus Christ really loved the Church (and He did), the Church will love Him in return automatically (which we should do). “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 KJV). Husbands are to love their wives as they love their own bodies. God formed the woman’s body from the man’s body (Genesis 3:21-25): Eve was created from Adam, so the woman is of no less value than the man. The husband should be providing for his wife, taking care of her, and protecting her, just as Jesus Christ nurtures and provides for the Church (Ephesians 5:28,29).

For more information about marriage in the Dispensation of Grace, please refer to 1 Corinthians chapter 7 KJV. This is another important passage to consider about marriage:

“1 Now concerning the things whereof ye wrote unto me: It is good for a man not to touch a woman.
2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband.
3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.
4 The wife hath not power of her own body, but the husband: and likewise also the husband hath not power of his own body, but the wife.
5 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency.
6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.
7 For I would that all men were even as I myself. But every man hath his proper gift of God, one after this manner, and another after that.
8 I say therefore to the unmarried and widows, it is good for them if they abide even as I.
9 But if they cannot contain, let them marry: for it is better to marry than to burn.
10 And unto the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord, Let not the wife depart from her husband:
11 But and if she depart, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband: and let not the husband put away his wife.
12 But to the rest speak I, not the Lord: If any brother hath a wife that believeth not, and she be pleased to dwell with him, let him not put her away.
13 And the woman which hath an husband that believeth not, and if he be pleased to dwell with her, let her not leave him.
14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy.
15 But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace.
16 For what knowest thou, O wife, whether thou shalt save thy husband? or how knowest thou, O man, whether thou shalt save thy wife?
17 But as God hath distributed to every man, as the Lord hath called every one, so let him walk. And so ordain I in all churches.
18 Is any man called being circumcised? let him not become uncircumcised. Is any called in uncircumcision? let him not be circumcised.
19 Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God.
20 Let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
21 Art thou called being a servant? care not for it: but if thou mayest be made free, use it rather.
22 For he that is called in the Lord, being a servant, is the Lord’s freeman: likewise also he that is called, being free, is Christ’s servant.
23 Ye are bought with a price; be not ye the servants of men.
24 Brethren, let every man, wherein he is called, therein abide with God.
25 Now concerning virgins I have no commandment of the Lord: yet I give my judgment, as one that hath obtained mercy of the Lord to be faithful.
26 I suppose therefore that this is good for the present distress, I say, that it is good for a man so to be.
27 Art thou bound unto a wife? seek not to be loosed. Art thou loosed from a wife? seek not a wife.
28 But and if thou marry, thou hast not sinned; and if a virgin marry, she hath not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh: but I spare you.
29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
30 And they that weep, as though they wept not; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not; and they that buy, as though they possessed not;
31 And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passeth away.
32 But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord:
33 But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife.
34 There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband.
35 And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.
36 But if any man think that he behaveth himself uncomely toward his virgin, if she pass the flower of her age, and need so require, let him do what he will, he sinneth not: let them marry.
37 Nevertheless he that standeth stedfast in his heart, having no necessity, but hath power over his own will, and hath so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, doeth well.
38 So then he that giveth her in marriage doeth well; but he that giveth her not in marriage doeth better.
39 The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.
40 But she is happier if she so abide, after my judgment: and I think also that I have the Spirit of God.”

May we learn from the Guilbeaus Scriptural wisdom, and apply these verses by faith!

UPDATE: *One month shy of their 55th wedding anniversary, on October 30, 2013, Mrs. Barbara passed away to be with our Lord Jesus Christ.

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The Attitude of Gratitude: Spurn Not God’s Saving Grace

November 11, 2008

The Attitude of Gratitude: Spurn Not God’s Saving Grace
by Shawn Brasseaux
[11 November 2008]

We are all guilty of taking everyday things for granted: our health, our possessions, and our freedoms. There are over 6.7 billion people in this world right now; only a small fraction of these people have eternal life through Jesus Christ. The remainder of the global population could not care less about God’s Word. They have the opportunity to hear something, despite their remote locations in the world. Most of those who do have Bibles use them for “dust magnets,” and they use grace for a license to sin!

For those of us who are legitimate, Holy Spirit-indwelt, Bible-believing Christians (we are not just professing church members), we have a possession that most people take for granted more than anything else: eternal salvation in Christ Jesus. Consider your family, your friends, and your neighbors: do most of them ever bother to ponder eternity? NO, they are only limiting themselves to our present-day. Our buzzing technologically advanced world has little to no time for God and His Word (the Bible). As long as people are fed, annually rolling in six figures, wearing designer clothing, and driving the latest and most expensive models, they are smiling from ear to ear. Is it worth spending your lifetime without God, and then enduring eternity without God?

A lifetime on Earth averages 70 to 80 years, an infinitesimally small number when compared to ETERNITY. Eternity is not just a long time, it is a literal eternity: forever, and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever, and ever…. That is scary if you are of the majority that will spend eternity suffering in the lake of fire. The Bible refers to it is a literal, physical, everlasting lake of life! It exists, which is why I warn you to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour! Jesus Christ came to planet earth to die for your sins, and bring you a chance to have eternal life with Him in heaven.

Church membership, good works, tithing, water baptism, speaking in tongues, sacraments, and any other ritual you can perform has nothing to do with salvation. Forget foolish men’s ideas and religious tradition, and start looking in your Bible for answers! If your church deviates from the Holy Scriptures (King James Bible) “rightly divided,” you better run from it fast. Do not take the Bible for granted, either—despite all those who wanted to destroy it, the Bible is still around, preserved and inerrant in English in the King James Bible! If your church does not tell you that Paul is your apostle, flee it (Romans 11:13; Romans 15:16; 2 Timothy 1:11; cf. 1 Corinthians 14:37).

If you are saved today and you know it with absolute certainty, thank the Lord right now that He did it all for you! If you are not saved today, thank the Lord that you have heard the Gospel, and you have a chance to be saved today! When you die, do not be guilty of taking God’s Gospel of Grace for granted, because it will be far too late then to make a decision to trust Christ!

THE GOSPEL OF THE GRACE OF GOD: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV

“1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;
2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.
3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures [His blood for shed];
4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”

Trust in Christ alone for salvation, and God will save you forever!

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Which Bible is the Bible? (by Nolan Guilbeau)

November 10, 2008

by Nolan Guilbeau – Published in The (Opelousas, Louisiana) Daily World
℅ Shawn Brasseaux

PART I
[11 November 2008]

History bears witness to an unprecedented wave of over 100 revised modern Bible versions. The key word is “revised.” Let’s reason together—either they can’t get it right or perhaps there is a deliberate tampering with God’s Word. Many are unaware of discrepancies in texts existing between these modern translations in comparison to the original manuscripts used for the AV 1611 King James Bible.

A good translation conveys the sense of the original Old and New Testament Hebrew and Greek texts; a bad translation is unreliable for doctrine, altering and distorting the discernible sense of the original text and misleading the reader. Too often ignored and overlooked is this red flag of caution. Many scholarly researchers have revealed the inaccuracies of these revised versions. The random changes and omissions alter the original text, rendering a compromised, corrupted representation of the Scriptures.

Examples of flawed writings are from the stream of Alexandrian manuscripts. The Codex Vaticanus (B) came forth from a predominately pagan culture and influence in the regions of Alexandria, Egypt, influenced and compiled by third century Origen Adamantius. Codex Sinaiticus (Aleph) bears many similar textual characteristics to Vaticanus. Origen’s spiritual beliefs are undeniably apostate: he denied the deity of Christ, denied a literal hell, believed the Holy Spirit was created and does not exist as God, disbelieved most of the Genesis account of creation, and believed in the doctrine of purgatory. In his school in Egypt he taught that the stars were rational beings with souls, and that Satan and all beings would be eventually saved! He blended his ungodly philosophies of Gnosticism, Platonism, and mysticism in his translations.

Facsimile copies are available for comparison indicating many omissions, altered words and phrases, corrections, contradictions, between each codex and vast disagreements with the copies of early original Greek Bible manuscripts. Origen was one whole bubble off of plumb.

Using these corrupted codices Jerome translated and produced the Latin Vulgate in A.D. 405, being the basis of all Roman Catholic Bibles, used again by Westcott and Hort in 1881 in their “reconstructed” Greek Bible text, the basis of most modern “revised” Bibles. Jerome completely rejected the Byzantine/Antioch “received text” of the Koine style Greek manuscripts used in the early New Testament Christian church. This “received text” came from the apostles and the Christian culture of the regions of Antioch Syria where “believers were first called Christians” (Acts 11:26).

This traditional “received text” or “Textus Receptus” is the basis of the AV King James Bible of 1611, and was used by the Protestant Reformers. This text came from manuscripts that agree with the earliest versions of the Bible, such as Peshitta (A.D. 150), Old Latin Vulgate (A.D 157), the Vetus Itala Bible (A.D. 157), all of which predate Jerome. These Bibles were produced some 200 years BEFORE Alexandrian codices Vaticanus and Sinaiticus! Additional supporting proof of textual agreement and reliability of the King James Bible is an excess of 20,000 lectionaries in Koine style Greek used in the early Christian church.

God has vowed to preserve His Word, the Bible, and His words, throughout the ages and forever (Psalms 12:6-7). Satan continues to pollute them by using man to “revise” His Holy Word. Do not be “deceived;” man does not have the authority to alter the meaning of the Bible text at will!

PART II
[12 December 2008]

A soldier preparing for literal warfare would be considered extremely foolish to deliberately choose a weapon for battle that is clearly labeled “defective and unreliable.” Likewise a soldier for the cause of Christ must carefully select a trustworthy “source” of the written Word of God, the Bible, in order to honestly defend the unchangeable doctrines and truths of Scripture. Proving reliability, the source must be compatible, consistent in content, traceable to multiple Bible manuscripts that agree with each other.

Today there is no scarcity of modern “revised” Bible versions whose translated texts are based and traceable to the corrupted fourth century Alexandrian stream of manuscripts. Altered text renders a compromised perverted representation of Scripture. Two of these codices are the Codex Vaticanus (B) and Codex Sinaiticus (Aleph) compiled by Origen, a third century apostate of the pagan culture of Egypt. In A.D. 405, Jerome commissioned by Damasus translated and produced the Latin Vulgate from these corrupted manuscripts, the basis of all Roman Catholic Bibles. “One is forced to admit the gradual corruption of Christianity began very early” (Catholic Encyclopedia, XII).

In 1881, the unscrupulous characters Westcott and Hort used these known corrupted manuscripts, along with Jerome’s Latin Vulgate translation, to produce their own “reconstructed” Greek Bible text that is presently the basis of almost all modern “revised” Bible versions. Whereas the 1611 AV King James Bible is based upon the traditional “received text” or “Textus Receptus” of the Byzantine/Antioch manuscripts written in Koine style Greek.

The early Bibles, the Peshitta (A.D. 150), the Old Latin Vulgate (A.D. 157), the Vetus Itala (A.D. 157) agree with the King James Bible, predating Jerome and the Alexandrian manuscripts (Vaticanus and Sinaiticus) by 200 years. Additional evidence of textual correctness and reliability of the King James Bible is found in an excess of 20,000 lectionaries also written in Koine style Greek used in the early New Testament churches. The vast majority of ancient Greek manuscript versions and the writings of early church fathers also largely support the “Received Text” of the King James Bible, the text used by the Protestant Reformers of the sixteenth century.

The Apostle Paul wrote, “Many corrupt the word of God” (II Corinthians 2:17).

Which Bible is the genuinely preserved Word of God today? Many scholarly researchers have answered, the 1611 Authorized Version King James Bible.

***********************************************************************************************************************

EDITOR’S NOTE: In other words, what Mr. Guilbeau has attempted to demonstrate is that there are two families of Greek New Testament Bible manuscripts:

(1) the Byzantine/Antioch manuscripts (Textus Receptus) and

(2) the Alexandrian manuscripts (chiefly, Vaticanus and Sinaiticus)

The Alexandrian manuscripts (chiefly, Vaticanus and Sinaiticus) are CORRUPT, and most—if not all—modern English Bible translations are based on these ADULTERATED manuscripts. If the Bible translation you use has been produced with the past 150 years, like the New International Version (NIV), the New American Standard Bible (NASB), the New King James Version (NKJV), the Revised Standard Version (RSV), or the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), please take note that those translations have about five percent error! They have major theological errors.

The Byzantine/Antiochian manuscripts (Textus Receptus) are the MAJORITY Greek Text: these manuscripts are reliable, and serve as the basis for the 1611 Authorized Version King James Bible. I strictly use the King James Bible, and the obsolete words do not bother me! Use a Bible dictionary if you need to look up an “archaic or obsolete word.” I once used modern Bibles, but now I know better!

Indeed, God has preserved His words forever, just like He promised in Psalm 12:6-7. God’s preserved Word in the English language is the King James Bible!

Shawn Brasseaux
24 January 2009

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New Bible Versions Are Unsound

November 1, 2008

by Shawn Brasseaux

Are all 200-plus modern English Bibles equal in authority? As opposed to wasting your money to buy these new translations to find out, I invite you to decide for yourself by going to Bible Gateway (www.biblegateway.com) and do verse comparisons. Should you be using the NIV, the NASB, the Message, the NKJV, the ESV, the NRSV, and the NLT? It is quite suspicious to find “new” versions, “revised” versions, “21st century” versions, and “today’s” versions. Then you have new revised versions—as if the “revised” versions were not revised enough!

Compare the following verses in the King James Bible with those of the popular versions such as the Amplified, NIV, NASB, Message, NKJV, NRSV, and NLT. Is it not suspicious that we have “revised versions” as well as “new revised versions?” Evidently, the revised versions were not edited enough. There are dozens of additional errors, but here are a few critical inaccuracies found in the most popular new Bible versions.

Many new versions insinuate the heretical idea that salvation is progressive/works-related (1 Corinthians 1:18; 2 Corinthians 2:15). Peter was an apostle, affirmed by “us the apostles” in 2 Peter 3:2. “Us the” is replaced by “your” in new translations; is this a subtle effort to rob Peter of his apostleship? In Ephesians 3:9, why is Jesus Christ as Creator denied in these new versions?

In Mark 6:11, why is the allusion to Sodom and Gomorrah eliminated? Why is a reference to Jesus Christ’s Second Coming omitted in Matthew 25:13? Do you know that references to eternal hellfire are removed from these new versions (Mark 3:29; Mark 9:44,46; 2 Peter 2:17)? The phrase “Son of the living God” cannot be found in John 6:69.

Why is “of Christ” removed from Romans 1:16? Why is the first portion of Luke 9:56 absent from these new versions? Why is a reference to Christ’s blood removed from Colossians 1:14? In Matthew 1:25, “firstborn” is omitted and “Joseph” is replaced by “the child’s father” in Luke 2:33,43—is this a denial of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ? Is not “life that truly is life” a weaker rendition of the KJV’s “eternal life” (1 Timothy 6:19)? Why do modern Bibles say “Isaiah the prophet,” when Mark 1:2 is quoting Isaiah and Malachi?

Why is the phrase “but by every word of God” removed from Luke 4:4 in these new versions, yet remains in the companion verse Matthew 4:4? Luke 4:8 does not appear in its entirety in these new versions, making it appear that Jesus Christ was not superior to the devil. Not minor doctrinal errors, are they? My purpose is not to attack, but to warn you politely. What a shame that many professing Christians have thrown away the good ol’ King James Bible, and replaced it with these inferior adulterated versions.

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Halloween 2008 – Halloween is Not “Make-Believe”

October 24, 2008

by Shawn Brasseaux
Published in The (Opelousas, Louisiana) Daily World

Halloween is the time of year when the devil is most pleased. Satan already has most of the world’s adults fooled; now he is hard at work brainwashing the naïve, new generations.

Halloween is literally shrouded in darkness: young trick-or-treaters mingle with the devilish forces, adding to the fact that these people are already spiritually blinded. Provided that you do an internet search as to the origins of Halloween, you begin to realize that October 31 is the night when members of the occult communicate with what they claim are “dead spirits” (they are not spirits of dead people; the Bible actually calls them devils).

Did you realize that, nearly two millennia ago, the Druids sacrificed humans to their pagan gods on the night of October 31? On this night, Druids would travel through the countryside and collect door-to-door offerings for sacrifices. If a household could not afford to give an offering, this would result in the castration of a male family member or of a prized male animal. Circa 1848, millions of Druids immigrated to escape the Great Potato Famine, and these newcomers from Europe brought their pagan festival to America. Eventually, Halloween was “Christianized” by the pope. What kind of Christian leader would compromise with the devil? If we know our Bibles, we know the answer (2 Timothy 3:5).

If you do not think that the devil is fighting hard against God, you are unfamiliar with two obvious truths. Firstly, have you ever read Ephesians 6:11-20? Secondly, have you ever visited the Daily World’s online forum in the Voices and Views section shortly after the publication of letters submitted by Nolan Guilbeau and me? I see the childish, derogatory remarks typed by anti- Christian voices, and I know they passionately hate the Lord God that Brother Guilbeau and I serve. So what if they rant, but let us remember that even the scoffer will one day confess Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:11).

If you collect can goods for the poor on Halloween, you are applauded. Sing “Joy to the World” from door to door while collecting toys at Christmas and you would be despised. How sad and pitiful. “What communion has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Be sure to look at the online forum after you read this letter, and see the satanic forces rebut and deny these truths.

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The Journey to Destruction (by Nolan Guilbeau)

October 24, 2008

by Nolan Guilbeau – Published in The (Opelousas, Louisiana) Daily World
℅ Shawn Brasseaux

A young French philosopher in the nineteenth century by the name of Alexis Tocqueville took inventory of America. He observed and concluded, “America is great because it is good.” However, should “America ever cease to be good, it will cease to be great.” The Scriptures state, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” (Psalms 33:12).

Has the ugly mold for destruction been cast for America due to grand disobedience to a holy righteous God? The founding fathers declared two hundred plus years ago that the form of democracy they created for this nation would only work and endure for a moral and spiritually upright people.

One of America’s past distinguished leaders, Daniel Webster, stated the following, “There is nothing so powerful as truth, and often nothing so strange.” Many sense there is something inherently wrong in these United States as well as in the world around us, but are unable to determine the exact source of the problems. This writer said that we as a nation have forsaken God’s admonitions in our ways of life in irreverence and are now reaping what has been sowed. Greed abounds, abortions are given on demand, acceptance and promoting of perverted lifestyles are prevalent, and the mockery of marriage. There exists open spiritual debauchery, distorting, and blaspheming. Widespread rejection of God’s written word, the Bible, is clearly identifiable in our modern society.

As we approach the November election and review the facts, it is the clear objective of some to continue pursuing goals that will eventually destroy America. It shall not be neglected to expose the role of the mass media in this matter. The media, for the most part, is liberal, as they are owned by mega-corporations. George Orwell once wrote about society stating that when the ministry of truth controlled the mass media, freedom was safeguarded; now people’s freedoms and values have and are disappearing down “the memory hole.”

In 1983, there were 50 corporations that controlled media outlets in America. In 1987, there were 29. In year 2000, there were six, and in 2004, there were five mega-corporations dominating the mass propaganda-biased media, controlling what Americans hear, see, read and believe. The public has to be made aware that the media dominated by these mega-corporations promote globalization and socialism. If it is not deterred, Americans will lose their Republic, their liberties and possibly their lives, and all who died defending these precious liberties will have died in vain. We can’t let this happen.

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Grace is Not a License to Sin

October 18, 2008

by Shawn Brasseaux
Published in The (Opelousas, Louisiana) Daily World

Does Almighty God cower in fear while a puny rebellious human wags his finger and stomps his feet? Scoffers are living proof that the Holy Scriptures are 100 percent accurate.

“Where sin abounded, grace did much more abound” (Romans 5:20). No matter how vile the sin may be to us, God’s grace would indeed surpass it. God extends the Dispensation of Grace, postponing the wrath and vexation of the Tribulation (Psalm 2:4-5). Now, do not be frivolous: grace is not license to sin. The word of God instructs us not to test God’s grace to determine just how far down we can get into sin (Romans 6:1,2,14,15). God’s grace surpasses everything we will ever know. It was the attribute that motivated the Creator to pay the ultimate price for us. He knew they would reject and ridicule Him, spit on Him, scourge Him, and ultimately kill Him (Acts 2:22-28).

Despite His foreknowledge of suffering, His incomparable grace led Him to become human. He would relinquish his own life on an old rugged cross. Perhaps there is something in your past that haunts you to this day. No matter what kind of lifestyle you are living, you are no more or no less a sinner than anyone else. Even Christians stumble in sin, but you will not have that burning desire to sin as much as before. The Christian life is not a bed of roses, but the Lord is a reservoir of hope, joy love, and peace: the world and religion cannot offer any of these.

God’s grace can overcome everything that is wrong with you. If you never remember anything else from what I write, remember that without God’s grace, there would be no plan of redemption, no Bible, no salvation. Contrary to popular church tradition, we do not need to do anything to receive God’s grace, as grace is unmerited favor.

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All Are “Without Excuse”

October 13, 2008

by Shawn Brasseaux
Published in The (Opelousas, Louisiana) Daily World

What about those living in remote regions of the world which have yet to be reached with the Gospel of Grace of 1 Corinthians 15:1-4? Bible skeptics use this question to promote universalism, a deceptive teaching of satanic origin that involves the salvation of every single soul (regardless of their religion). However, whether or not we like it, the Bible is extremely clear that everyone will not make it to heaven (Matthew 7:13,14).

Others ask how God can allow people to go to hell if they have never heard the Gospel. Actually, God is fair and righteous, as every person alive today has already heard from God! Romans 1:20 reads: “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.” The Bible says we are all without excuse.

In the Gospel of John (1:7-9), the “Light” is the Lord Jesus Christ “that lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” Every person is born with an inward knowledge that a Creator God exists. Through free will, that person will accept or reject that knowledge. If that person shows interest, God will present His written Word to that person. The Lord may send a missionary to that person, or He may send the Bible written in his or her own language. In order for one to be a scoffer of God’s truth, one has to first hear God’s truth. Why does most of the world scoff at the Gospel? Obviously, they have already heard the Gospel, and most of them have already rejected it. If they go to hell, it is not God’s fault—according to the Bible, it is the person’s own fault.

In Colossians 1:5,6, Paul writes again that the Gospel is come unto “all the world.” I cannot explain it, but I take it by faith that “the gospel has been preached to every creature which is under heaven” (Colossians 1:23). Titus 2:11 reads that “the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men;” salvation has already appeared to every living person, the Bible says. I would rather believe God than man.

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Comprehending the Misunderstood: The Angels

September 20, 2008

by Shawn Brasseaux

What picture forms in your mind when you think of angels? Light-skinned women with blond hair, or perhaps chubby children with rosy cheeks? Do angels have haloes and wings? Do they sit on clouds and strum harps in heaven? Do people become angels when they die? Religious tradition portrays angels in such a ridiculous, unscriptural way. It is further sad because very few people actually bother to see what the Bible really says about angels. In this Bible study, we hope to clear up the abounding confusion regarding angels.

As always, what a denomination says or what any person says is not important. God’s Word, the King James Bible, is the final authority in all spiritual matters. What does God’s Word say about angels? The King James Bible makes over 300 references to angels. While we cannot exhaustively cover each and every reference, we can give you an accurate and Biblical description of angels. We have divided this study into two general sections: what angels are like and what angels do. First, we will look at the nature of the angels. Then, we will look at the activities and roles of angels in the past, in the present-day, and in the future.

THE NATURE OF ANGELS

From where did angels come? God created the angels, or the “the host of heaven” as they are called in Nehemiah 9:6. In fact, the angels were present during parts of the creation week (Job 38:6,7)—they watched in amazement as God created! Like us, angels feel emotions such as joy and awe (cf. Luke 15:7,10).
Angels are spirit creatures who serve God (Hebrews 1:14).
It is important to note that angels and humans are separate creatures. People NEVER become angels, but angels do assume human form (more about this later). The clear distinction between angels and humans is that humans are made “in the image of God” and angels are not (Genesis 1:26,27).
In the Bible, angels are also called “the sons of God” and “the morning stars” (Job 38:6,7), and “the stars of heaven” (Revelation 12:4).
The most powerful angelic creature was Lucifer, and because of pride, he rebelled against God and fell from heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15; Ezekiel 28:13-19; Luke 10:18). We now know Lucifer by the name “Satan,” or the “Devil.” The name “Satan” means “adversary; enemy;” Satan is God’s chief adversary because he “deceiveth the whole world” (Revelation 12:9; Revelation 20:2).
Hebrews 12:22 says that the members of the angelic host are “innumerable.” There are far too many angels for us to count and that number is too difficult for us to comprehend.
In Psalm 78:23-25, manna is called “angels’ food” and “the corn of heaven.” Evidently, the food of the angels is the same bread that God provided Israel to eat in the wilderness. From this, we gather that angels eat corn/grain (perhaps bread?).
When Satan rebelled against God, a number of angelic creatures followed him, and they became the fallen angels. These fallen angels are called devils or “Satan’s angels.” The worst of the fallen angels are imprisoned in chains of darkness (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6), awaiting the day when they will be thrown into the lake of fire with unbelievers to suffer torments for all eternity (Matthew 25:41).
Angels are invisible spirit beings (Numbers 22:22-31). When they appeared to man, they did so in the form of physical, tangible men, not women (Revelation 21:17; one angel appeared as a young man in Christ’s tomb in Mark 16:5). Two angels and the Lord—all three disguised as physical men—ate with Abraham in Genesis 18:1-8, and at first, Abraham was unaware of who they actually were.
Angels are strong and powerful (Psalm 103:20), wise (2 Samuel 14:17,20), and God’s angels are holy (“set apart,” Matthew 25:31). The Bible says that one angel slew 185,000 Assyrian soldiers in a single night (2 Kings 19:35; Isaiah 37:36)!
Angelic creatures do not understand the salvation that God has provided to humans (1 Peter 1:10-12). They are far more intelligent than we are, but they are not omnipotent (all-knowing). They, like us, learn from experience (Mark 13:32). In eternity, we believers will teach God’s Word to the angels (see 1 Corinthians 6:3).
Angels are organized in ranks or orders. Michael is the only archangel mentioned in the Bible. He is one of the chief angels, if not the leader of the God’s angelic host (Jude 9). Michael is called Israel’s “great prince” in Daniel 12:1. Gabriel is the name of another angel (Daniel 9:21-27; Luke 1:11,19,26). Save Michael and Gabriel, the Bible does not give the names of any angels.
Isaiah had a vision of seraphim flying around, which are a type of angelic creatures (Isaiah 6:2, 6). God placed cherubim at the east of the Garden of Eden to prevent Adam and Eve from re-entering Eden after the fall of mankind (Genesis 3:24). The Bible also speaks of God dwelling between cherubim (2 Samuel 6:2; 2 Kings 19:15).
Zechariah 6:8-9 says there are some devilish female (women) creatures with wings called “wickedness.” These are not angelic beings, but Satan’s counterfeit creatures of God’s angels. Female angels, in God’s words, “wickedness!”
There is some debate over the identity of “the angel of the LORD.” Is this God the Son in a theophany, or is this simply an angelic being? While some use Genesis 48:16 to contend that the “angel of the LORD” is God the Son, I understand “the angel of the LORD” as simply an angel that the LORD uses (not the LORD Himself). You can also refer to Genesis 16:7-16, Genesis 22:11, 2 Kings 19:35, and Acts 12:7,8 for other references to “the angel of the LORD.”

THE ROLE OF ANGELS

ANGELS IN TIME PAST 

In Israel’s program, under the direction and supervision of God, angels protected believers (Psalm 34:7; cf. Psalm 91:11,12; Matthew 4:5-6; Luke 4:9-11), rescued believers from prison (Acts 5:18-20; Acts 12:7,8), ministered to believers (Hebrews 1:13,14), provided for believers (2 Kings 1:5-8), and guided believers (Genesis 24:7,40).
The ministry of angels toward unbelievers was just the opposite. God sent angels to destroy the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:13). According to Judges 5:23, God sent angels to curse the unbelievers.
Angels also appeared to the Jewish patriarchs such as Abraham (Genesis 18:2-15) and Moses (Exodus 3:2; Acts 7:38), and even to the prophet Daniel (6:22). On one particular occasion, angels appeared to the entire nation Israel (Judges 2:1-4).
In 1 Kings 19:1-8, an angel fed Elijah cakes and gave him water to drink when he fled from wicked queen Jezebel.
The angel Gabriel appeared to the prophet Daniel to give him “skill and understanding” (Daniel 9:21,22).
An angel appeared to Zacharias to announce the conception of his son, John the Baptist (Luke 1:11-22).
Angels appeared to Mary and Joseph to herald Christ’s conception, and angels appeared to the shepherds when Christ was born (Matthew 1:20-24; Luke 1:26-38; Luke 2:9-12).
Angels ministered to the Lord Jesus Christ in the wilderness after the devil tempted Him (Matthew 4:11; Mark 1:13). In Luke 22:43, an angel “strengthened” the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Lord Jesus Christ claimed that He could ask His heavenly Father to send over 72,000 angels to rescue Him (Matthew 26:53)!
In time past, after a believer’s death, angels carried him or her to “paradise / Abraham’s bosom” (the Old Testament version of heaven). See Luke 16:22.
The Bible says that angels proclaimed Christ’s resurrection (Matthew 28:5-7; Mark 16:5-8; Luke 24:4-7).
Angels appeared to the eleven apostles on the Mount of Olives, and these same two angels accompanied Christ as He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11). Notice these angels appeared as men in white apparel.
An angel rescued Israel’s apostles from prison (Acts 5:18-20) and an angel delivered the Apostle Peter from prison in Acts 12:7.
According to Acts 27:23,24, an angel appeared to comfort the Apostle Paul before shipwreck.

ANGELS IN THE BUT NOW (DISPENSATION OF GRACE)

In this the Dispensation of the Grace of God, separate from Israel’s prophetic program, angels are not making public appearances today (Colossians 2:18). Contrary to religious tradition, there have not been any angelic appearances to mankind in almost 2,000 years. Do not seek angelic appearances either!
If you witness a supposed “angelic appearance” today—or any other similar miraculous experience—you need to be aware of Galatians 1:8. An angelic appearance would serve no purpose today, as God’s message to us is in His written Word, the King James Bible; an “angel” would only appear to you today to deceive you. Now that we have the complete and preserved Word of God (the King James Bible in English), God does not send angels to relay messages to us today like in time past (see 1 Corinthians 13:8-13; 2 Timothy 3:15-17). Remember that the devil is working behind these modern so-called “angelic appearances,” for he is the master deceiver (see 2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Satan uses these “doctrines of devils” to distract us away from God’s Word (1 Timothy 4:1,2).
Like the lost world, the angelic host watched Paul’s lifestyle and ministry, and they watched the other apostles and the other Christians (1 Corinthians 4:9). Although we cannot see angels today, they are watching us and listening to us (see 1 Corinthians 11:10; Ephesians 3:10; 1 Timothy 3:16). Angels exist, but unlike during biblical times, they cannot be seen today.
By the way, the Apostle Paul never mentions us having guardian angels as members of the Church the Body of Christ. After all, we have the indwelling Holy Spirit (2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 4:30; 2 Timothy 1:14)!
Angels are not to be worshipped (Colossians 2:18). We should not have angelic statues, angelic paintings, and the like because this is evil, and this will eventually lead to idolatry (Exodus 20:4,5).

ANGELS IN THE AGES TO COME

At least one archangel (Michael?) will be present when the Church the Body of Christ is raptured into glory (1 Thessalonians 4:16).
After the rapture, during the seven-year Tribulation, angels will bring God’s judgment on the lost world (Revelation 7:1-3; also, Revelation chapters 8 and 9, for instance).
During the seven-year Tribulation, angels will teach God’s Word to His believing Jews (Revelation 2:1,8,12,18; Revelation 3:1,7,14). Angels will also serve some of the believing Jews during the Tribulation (Hebrews 1:14).
Prior to the Battle of Armageddon, angels will accompany the Lord Jesus Christ at His Second Coming (Matthew 13:41,42,49,50). See also Matthew 24:30,31, which speak of God using angels to gather His Jewish believers who survived the Tribulation period. Those “armies which were in heaven” dressed “in fine linen, white and clean” mentioned in Revelation 19:14 are angels that accompany Christ at His Second Coming.
According to 1 Corinthians 6:3, Paul asks, “Know ye not that we shall judge angels?” Are believers in eternity going to rule with the Lord Jesus Christ over the angels? Yes, this verse says so, and like we said earlier, we will teach the angels God’s Word too!

CONCLUSION

Angels are spirits that God created to serve Him. Angels are God’s messengers, although some angels have since rebelled against God. The Bible calls these fallen angels the “devil’s angels.”

In time past, angels revealed God’s Word to mankind. Angels are strong and wise, and they can cook and fight military battles. Angels did minister to believers in time past (especially the nation Israel), but angels do not interact with us today and they do not appear to us today because we have God’s completed Word. We do not have guardian angels in this the Dispensation of Grace. Angels are watching us and listening to us, so be careful what you do and say! When angels did appear to people, they appeared in the form of young men (they never appeared as women).

During the future seven-year Tribulation, God will use angels to pour out His judgments on earth, and when the Lord Jesus Christ returns at His Second Coming, angels will gather God’s believers who have survived the Tribulation. The Scriptures teach that we believers will rule over the angels one day.

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