The Daily Word of Righteousness

An Examination of Current Teaching, #12

We know we have come to know him if we obey his commands. The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (I John 2:3,4)

Since the teachings and commandments of Christ in the four Gospel accounts came before His resurrection they do not apply to the Christian Church, which is saved by grace (forgiveness). They apply only to Jews.

If it were true that the Words of Jesus Christ in the Gospels do not apply to Christians, then none of the parables of the Kingdom, or the admonition that we must be born again, apply to Christians. The Sermon on the Mount does not apply to Christians. This cannot be true! How such teaching ever was accepted by Christians must be accounted for in the realm of spiritual deception.

The notion that the teachings of the Apostles have superseded the Words of Jesus Christ came from the fact that Jesus told us there are things we are to do. Since we are saved by grace (forgiveness), as the saying goes, it therefore must be true that apostolic grace has superseded the Words of the Lord Jesus Christ; for there is nothing a believer need do other than believe that Jesus is the Christ.

This would mean many of the time-honored Words of our Lord do not apply to us, such as the Sermon on the Mount and the Lord's prayer.

Can you see how ridiculous such a position is?

In addition to this it can be shown that every one of the Lord's exhortations and commands can be found in the Epistles of the Apostles. The Lord said, "Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God." The Apostle said,"Without holiness no man shall see the Lord."

How could the words of man supersede the Words of God?

Have we not been grievously deceived?

The following passages compare the Word of Jesus with the writings of the Apostles;

Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. (Matthew 5:48)

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is his good, pleasing and perfect will. (Romans 12:2)

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:36)

Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! (James 2:13)

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. (Matthew 5:9)

Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:18)

In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.  (John 3:3)

For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. (I Peter 1:23)

To be continued.