“Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” (Prov. 21:5 NLT)

Many years ago, there was a popular selling trend sweeping across America called multi-level marketing, and it was used to sell everything from laundry soap to vitamins and even cookware. It was everywhere, and people kept inviting me and everyone else they could think of to their homes to hear a presentation. I remember being tricked into attending them a few times. Someone would invite me over without telling me it was to hear a sales pitch. But eventually I got suspicious of all invitations and would say, “What is this about? Is this a multilevel thing?

Other people were getting suspicious of the invitations too

I remember overhearing someone talking to my father-in-law about coming over to their house for the evening. And he asked them if it was to hear a presentation.They admitted it was, but proceeded to tell him how rich it would make him. But he said, “No thank you! I make my money the old-fashioned way; I work for it!” He obviously understood the proverb at the top: “Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty.” Benjamin Franklin obviously knew what the Bible taught, too, and wrote, “Haste makes waste,” in his Poor Richard’s Almanac. He understood that shortcuts are not the way to achieve success.

More proverbs on the subject

“Idle hands make one poor, but diligent hands bring wealth.” (Prov. 10:4)

“The slacker craves yet has nothing, but the soul of the diligent is fully satisfied.” (Prov. 13:4)

“Even zeal is no good without knowledge, and he who hurries his footsteps misses the mark.” (Prov. 19:2)

Therefore

“He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.” (Prov. 10:4 KJV)

“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.” (Prov. 13:4 KJV)

A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.” (1 John 3:5 ESV)

Over the past few days

I’ve been discussing doctrinal errors held by the many progressive churches around the world that have redefined many church doctrines to reflect their new unbiblical beliefs.

I have heard stories from people who said that they had attended one of these progressive churches for many years, and they said it didn’t start out with doctrinal errors. But it happened gradually as new leadership came in and bit by bit redefined the church’s doctrines and purposes. It’s like the old story about the frog in cool water that gets heated up so slowly, one degree at a time, that the frog doesn’t notice until it's too late and is cooked. A lot of times, these changes happen because people stop emphasizing Bible truths and instead focus on other things until the old essential doctrines are forgotten.

Most progressive Christians don’t openly say that Jesus was a sinner but their emphasis is often on Jesus' humanity. But the sinlessness of Jesus is crucial and must never be deemphasized. Here’s why.

Jesus Christ, who is God, cannot sin because He is God

The Bible makes it clear that even though Jesus Christ was tested in every manner, just like we are, He did not sin.

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb. 4:15 ESV)

“For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.” (Heb. 7:26 ESV)

Why it matters

There would be no atonement for sin if Jesus had committed sin. 

“You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.” (1John 3:5 ESV)

“He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.” (1 Peter 2:22 ESV)

(1 John 3:5). He committed no fault, and there was no dishonesty detected in His words, as the apostle Peter made abundantly clear (1 Peter 2:22).

We are separated from God by sin and need a savior

Sin entered the earth as a result of Adam and Eve's disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:6). Death resulted from their sin, as God had foretold (Genesis 2:17). As a result, sin is now a part of human nature from the moment of conception (Romans 5:12–19). (Psalm 51:5).

Our inherited sinful nature put a barrier between us and our Creator, condemning us to both physical and everlasting death because "the penalty of sin is death" (Romans 6:23). 

“In fact, the law requires that nearly everything be cleansed with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.” (Heb. 9:22 ESV)

Therefore

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (2 Cor. 5:21 NLT)

“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” (Heb. 9:28 ESV)

A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matt. 28:19 ESV)

Over the past few days

I’ve been discussing doctrinal errors held by the many Progressive Churches around the world who have redefined many church doctrines to reflect their new unbiblical beliefs.

The denial of the Trinity

The denial of the Trinity naturally follows the denial of the deity of Jesus, which we discussed yesterday. Progressive Christians often go even further by supporting a pantheistic worldview, which maintains that the universe itself is God. Some promote panentheism, which maintains that God and the world are intertwined and that God and all things are one. In every way, this is false, confusing, dangerous, and completely unbiblical.

So, what is The Trinity?

First of all, let me begin by saying that no human being will ever be able to fully comprehend or even articulate the concept. We cannot truly understand God because He is incomparably more powerful than us. But clearly, the Bible teaches that the Father is God, that Jesus is God, and that the Holy Spirit is God.

Metaphors aren’t adequate

I’ve heard pastors use different metaphors to explain the trinity. For example: Water has three forms—as liquid, ice, and steam; an egg has three parts—the outer shell, the white, and the yoke. There are others, but all metaphors fall short and cannot adequately explain it. The trinity is described by many Bible scholars as God’s mystery.

God exists as three distinct, simultaneous persons

The word “trinity” is not in the Bible but is a term used to denote the Christian doctrine that God exists as a unity of three distinct, simultaneous persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Each of the persons is distinct from the other yet identical in essence. But, even though the word trinity is not in the Bible, the three-in-one concept is demonstrated from cover to cover.

The following are just a few of the many Bible passages about the Trinity

·      God referred to in plural

God said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.” (Gen. 1:26)

“Then the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of us in knowing good and evil.” (Gen. 3:22 ESV)

“Come, let us go down and there confuse their language, so that they may not understand one another's speech.” (Gen. 11:7 ESV)

·      The Father referred to as God

“One God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.” (Eph. 4:6 ESV)

“Our Father, Who art in heaven, 
Hallowed be Thy Name.” (Matt. 6:9)

·      The Son referred to as God

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).” (Matt. 1:23 ESV)

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6 ESV)

“Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” (John 14:9 ESV)

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” (Heb. 1:3 ESV)

“Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:13 ESV)

“But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom.” (Heb. 1:8 ESV)

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20 ESV)

·      The Holy Spirit referred to as God

“But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back for yourself part of the proceeds of the land? While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” (Acts 5:3-4 ESV)

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” (2 Cor. 3:17 ESV)

·      Two or more referred to as God

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” (Matt. 28:19 ESV)

“I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30 ESV)

“And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” (2 Cor. 1:21-22 ESV)

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.” (1 Cor. 12:4-6 ESV)

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” (Phil. 2:5-8 ESV)

Therefore

“For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,” (Col. 2:9 ESV)

A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matt. 1:23 ESV)

Over the past few days

I’ve been discussing doctrinal errors held by the many Progressive Churches around the world who have redefined many church doctrines to reflect their new unbiblical beliefs. Of course, any church, group, or person, who does this is promoting the doctrines of demons!

In the progressive church, the virgin birth and other miraculous occurrences are minimized, disregarded, or, like the resurrection, viewed as less significant than the lessons we may draw from them. But the Bible clearly teaches that Jesus’ mother was a virgin and Jesus’ birth was miraculous. And this is vital to understand.

Why the virgin birth matters

Those who deny the virgin birth contradict the clear teaching of Scripture, call into question other miracles recorded in the Bible, and open the door to a denial of Christ’s full deity or His full humanity.

This notion is not new

Jesus’ enemies among His contemporaries denied His virgin birth. They went so far as to publicly accuse Jesus of being a Samaritan, i.e., a person of mixed race and having a demon (John 8:48).

The virgin birth is important because it preserves the truth that Jesus is fully God and fully man at the same time. He received his physical body from his mother, Mary. But His eternal, holy nature was His from all eternity past (John 6:69). Joseph the carpenter did not pass on his sinful nature to Jesus because Joseph was not His father, God was. Therefore, Jesus had no sin nature (Hebrews 7:26).

What the Bible says about Christ’s virgin birth

Gabriel announces it to Mary

“Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.”

Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”

Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.”

The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:28-35 NLT) 

Gabriel later repeats it to Joseph

“Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 1:20 NLT)

Joseph needed to know this information  because, “before they came together, Mary was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 1:18). Joseph accepted God’s Word about this matter and proceeded to take Mary as his wife, but she remained a virgin until after Jesus was born: “He did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son” (Matthew 1:25).

More Bible verses about the virgin birth of Jesus

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isa. 7:14 ESV)

“To a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin's name was Mary.” (Luke 1:27 ESV)

Therefore

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” (Col. 1:15 ESV)

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” (Heb. 1:3 ESV)

A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“That I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,” (Phil. 3:10 ESV) 

Over the past few days

I’ve been discussing doctrinal errors held by the many Progressive Churches around the world who have redefined many church doctrines to reflect their new unbiblical beliefs.

Not all progressives reject the concept that Jesus was physically risen from the dead, but they frequently view it as less vital or crucial and as less significant than the lessons we may draw from them. But the significance of the resurrection should never be minimized in any way, but must be emphasized!

The resurrection is a crucial doctrine!

According to the following passage it’s critical to our faith! Without it, our faith is futile, we’re  still in our sins, and our preaching is in vain! Read below.

“Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, whom he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. If in Christ we have hope[a] in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1Cor. 15:12-20)

·      The resurrection story

“But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold, two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?He is not here, but has risen. Remember how he told you, while he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise.” And they remembered his words, and returning from the tomb they told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest.” (Luke 24:1-10 ESV)

The resurrection causes us to be born again to a living hope!

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3 ESV)

“If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” (Rom. 8:11 ESV)

 What you must do

 “Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Rom. 10:9 ESV)

Therefore

“Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.” (Rom. 8:34 ESV)

A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily,” (Col. 2:9 ESV)

Over the past few days

I’ve been discussing doctrinal errors held by the many Progressive Churches around the world who have redefined many church doctrines to reflect their new unbiblical beliefs.

Many Progressive churches  downplay the idea that Jesus is God

They sometimes say that becoming a “Cosmic Christ” is what we should aim for. According to this false doctrine, we can follow his lead by discovering the divine within ourselves.This is not what the Bible teaches about who Jesus is. He is God incarnate.  

The Deity of Jesus

·      He is God with us

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isa. 9:6 ESV)

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us). (Matt. 1:23 ESV)

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” (Col. 1:15 ESV)

·      The Word was God and became flesh and dwelt among us

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14 ESV)

·      Jesus said about Himself

“I and the Father are one.” (John 10:30 ESV)

“Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?” (John 14:9 ESV)

·      Jesus is our great God and Savior

“Waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,” (Titus 2:13 ESV)

Therefore

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” (Heb. 1:3 ESV)

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true; and we are in him who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” (1 John 5:20 ESV)

A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12 NIV)

Over the past few days

I’ve been discussing doctrinal errors held by the many Progressive Churches around the world who have redefined many church doctrines to reflect their new unbiblical beliefs.

Progressive churches don’t believe that the Bible is the inspired, infallible, and authoritative Word of God

They believe the Bible to be more of an old spiritual travelogue. The Biblical authors are seen as well intentioned ancient individuals who made an effort to comprehend God in the context of their l own times and places, but they were not necessarily speaking on behalf of God. Additionally, Progressive Christians view Scripture as being incoherent, inconsistent, and without authority. That’s too bad because they will be getting their doctrinal “truths” from worldly sources rather than from the Bible.This will ultimately lead to many ministry failures that will show up in negative, even destructive, ways. 

Billy Graham’s personal story about trusting the Bible

The following story is from Billy Graham regarding his belief in the authority of the Bible. He was young and just beginning his ministry. Just prior to a major crusade, a minister friend who he deeply respected, dramatically left the faith and told Billy that he no longer believed the Bible and encouraged Billy to abandon it, too. This shook Billy’s faith dramatically and brought him to a major crisis point. In his own words, here’s what he said he did.

“For months doubts about the Bible swirled through my mind, finally coming to a boil during a conference at which I was speaking in the mountains east of Los Angeles. One night, alone in my cabin at the conference, I studied carefully what the Bible said about its divine origin. I recalled that the prophets clearly believed they were speaking God’s Word; they used the phrase “Thus says the Lord” (or similar words) hundreds of times. I also knew that archaeological discoveries had repeatedly confirmed the Bible’s historical accuracy.

Especially significant to me, however, was Jesus’ own view of Scripture. He not only quoted it frequently, but also accepted it as the Word of God. While praying for His disciples, He said, “Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth” (John 17:17). He also told them, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law” (Matthew 5:18). Shouldn’t I have the same view of Scripture as my Lord?

Finally I went for a walk in the moonlit forest. I knelt down with my Bible on a tree stump in front of me and began praying. I don’t recall my exact words, but my prayer went something like this: “O Lord, there are many things in this book I don’t understand. There are many problems in it for which I have no solution. … But, Father, by faith I am going to accept this as Thy Word. From this moment on I am going to trust the Bible as the Word of God.”

When I got up from my knees, I sensed God’s presence in a way that I hadn’t felt for months. Not all my questions were answered, but I knew a major spiritual battle had been fought–and won. I never doubted the Bible’s divine inspiration again, and immediately my preaching took on a new confidence. This was, I believe, one reason why our Los Angeles meetings had to be extended from three weeks to eight.

Don’t let anyone shake your confidence in the Bible as God’s Word. If you have questions about it, don’t use them as an excuse to turn your back on God. Instead, face your doubts and seek answers; you aren’t the first person to ask them. (Your local Christian bookstore can help you.) In addition, read the Bible for yourself with an open heart and mind. Ask God to show you if it truly is His Word–and He will.

Your life will never be the same once you trust the Bible as God’s Word. God will begin to use it to change your life.”

After Billy Grahams prayer proclaiming he was going to accept the Bible as the Word of God, his messages became powerful and effective. They were filled with many Bible verses preceded by him proclaiming passionately, “The Bible Says!” because He believed the Bible completely with all his heart.

What the Bible says about the Bible

·      It is given by God

 “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” (2 Tim. 3:16)

“But he answered, “It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” (Matt. 4:4 ESV)

·      It is able to make you wise for Salvation

“And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 3:15 ESV) 

·      Every word of it proves true

 “Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.” (Prov. 30:5)

·      Its gives light and understanding to the simple

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)

·      It equips for every good work

“…that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim. 3:17 ESV)

·      It brings instruction, encouragement, and hope

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4 ESV)

·      It does not return empty and accomplishes God’s purpose

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55.10 ESV)

·      It will bless you in what you’re doing

“But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.” (James 1:25 ESV

A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God.” (1 Peter 3:18)

Over the past few days

I’ve been discussing doctrinal errors held by the many Progressive Churches around the world who have redefined many church doctrines to reflect their new unbiblical beliefs.

Another dangerous doctrine held by Progressive Christian Churches is that they don’t believe the atonement. They frequently describe Jesus' death on the cross as horrible or pointless. The notion that God the Father would demand his Son's blood sacrifice is seen as a criticism of God's character, transforming Him into a divine abuser.They often refer to Christ’s sacrifice on the cross and His shedding of blood to cover our sins as, “Cosmic Child Abuse.” They totally miss the point and fail to understand John 3:16, that says God gave His Son out of love to atone for man’s sin.

But this kind of thought is not new

When Jesus told His disciples He was going to die, Peter flat out rejected the idea to Jesus’ face, but Jesus sternly rebuked him and said Peter’s words were from Satan!

“From then on Jesus began to tell his disciples plainly that it was necessary for him to go to Jerusalem, and that he would suffer many terrible things at the hands of the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He would be killed, but on the third day he would be raised from the dead. But Peter took him aside and began to reprimand him for saying such things. “Heaven forbid, Lord,” he said. “This will never happen to you!” Jesus turned to Peter and said, “Get away from me, Satan! You are a dangerous trap to me. You are seeing things merely from a human point of view, not from God’s.” (Matt. 16:21-23 NLT)

Jesus came as God’s atonement plan

Jesus said His death was planned by God and no one had the power take His life from Him. He had the power to lay it down and take it up again. 

“For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” (John 10:16-18 ESV) 

“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” (John 10:11 ESV)

The great exchange

The verse at top is referred to by many as “the great exchange” because it tells how Christ exchanged our unrighteousness for His righteousness through what He did for us on the cross in order to atone for our sin and bring us to God.

Christ bore our sins in His body

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness.” (1 Peter 2:24 ESV)

He shed His blood as atonement

“Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins.” (Heb. 9:22 ESV)

“For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” (Matt. 26:28 ESV)

“So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.” (Heb. 13:12 ESV)

Therefore

“For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. For one will scarcely die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person one would dare even to die— but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that, we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.” (Rom. 5:6-11 ESV)

“And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” (Eph. 5:2 ESV)

A series about critical doctrines you must not deny or change

“The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,” (Acts 17:30 ESV)

Repentance is not preached from many modern pulpits. Especially not in churches where progressive doctrines are embraced. The doctrine of Necessary Repentance is left out Instead progressives say that we are beloved and accepted by God just as we are. This is contrary to what the Bible teaches about the command to repent.

Repentance defined

Websters Dictionary Definition: to turn from sin and dedicate oneself to the amendment of one's life; to feel regret or contrition; to change one's mind.

Bible Dictionary Definition: repentance means to take action and often contains three elements: 1) A call to repent (Acts 3:19); 2) A turning from sin (2 Chronicles 7:14); and 3) A restoration (Hosea 6:1).

Why you must repent

·      Repent because Jesus said to

“From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt. 4:17 ESV)

“Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance..” (Luke 15:7 ESV)

·      Repent so your sins will be forgiven

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,” (Acts 3:19)

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” (Prov. 28:13 ESV)

“For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.” (2 Cor. 7:10 ESV)

“And that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” (Luke 24:47 ESV)

·      Repent because you will perish unless you do

“No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3 ESV)

“When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, “Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.” (Acts 11:18 ESV)

“But because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of wrath when God's righteous judgment will be revealed.” (Rom. 2:5 ESV)

·      Repent because The Lord doesn’t want you to perish

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9 ESV)

Therefore

Repent because it is absolutely necessary, is God’s command, and is not an option or mere suggestion. Repent because God’s patience and kindness is leading you towards it!

“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” (Rom. 2:4 ESV)

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1John 1:19 ESV)

“If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (2 Chron. 7:14 ESV)