The Disastrous Effects Of The Doctrine Of "Original Sin"

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< > Chapter Three Jesus and Paul taught that children are born spiritually alive to God. Jesus states that children are alive to God, and are NOT “born in sin,” and spiritually dead. Jesus states that the truth is the very opposite to the doctrine of Original sin, and that a child is born spiritually alive to God, and in receipt of God’s grace, having a pure soul and spirit. Mt.18v1-10. 19v14. Jesus states in Matt.18v1-4,10, “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" v2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, v3 and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. v4 "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. v10 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” (NKJ). Note well. Jesus said that little children are looked upon as the officially authorized inhabitants of the kingdom of heaven, and we have to become like them, or we will not enter heaven. Jesus totally refutes Augustine’s doctrine that children are born depraved and polluted by sin, and if they are not baptised, will go to Hell like the very worst sinner. Jesus said that the angels of a little child have unrestricted access to God. God commands and forbids Satan to hinder the ministries of God’s angels to little children. Matt.19v13-15. also states., “Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. v14 But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." v15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.”(NKJ). Note well. Jesus said of little children, “for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus declares that children have the spiritual purity of the inhabitants of the kingdom of heaven; this again totally refutes Augustine’s doctrine that children are “born in sin,” and are depraved and polluted by sin. Paul tells us that children are born spiritually alive to God. Paul informs us in Romans.7v9-12. v9 “I was once alive (“ezon pote”) without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died; v10 the very commandment which promised life proved to be death to me. v11 For sin, finding opportunity in the commandment, deceived me and by it killed me. v12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good.” In Romans.7v9., “I was alive,” is the imperfect active, “ezon” 2198. Paul is speaking of the time, when as an infant, he did not know the difference between right and wrong; this was before his conscience awoke and he became morally responsible for his actions. (“Without,” is “choris” 5565, an adverb meaning without, apart, separate). Paul says he was alive to God in his period of childlike innocence, until God’s Law revealed right and wrong to him, and he did the wrong, and died spiritually. N.B. Rom.5v13-14. v13 “For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. v14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.” See Rom.4v15. “For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.” When “the commandment came,” and was applied to Paul’s heart and conscience, and Paul knew right from wrong, “sin revived, (“he” 3588, “hamartia” 266, “anezesen” 326). Sin came to life; the period of innocence was over, and because Paul had broken the Law, he died spiritually. The word “anazao” 326, means to live again, it is usually applied to a renewal of life, Rom.14v19; Luke.15v24,32., but here it means sin, which was before dormant, was now quickened into life. The Jews thought that the Law would sanctify and give comfort to the soul, but both Jesus and Paul say that the broken law produced guilt, woe, and a bad conscience. “And I died,” Paul had become conscious of his sin through his violation of The Law, and realised that it brought about his spiritual death. Paul here talks about his own consciousness of sin. As a child, he did not really understand the Law, or God’s purpose in giving the Law. The failure to understand the demands of the Law is not confined to children. The young adult, the rich young ruler, mistakenly asserted, "I have observed all these things from my youth." Mk.10v20. Mt.19v20. Lk.18v21. There came a day in Paul's life when God’s command, "Thou shalt not covet," condemned him, and revealed that he was not living according to that command. Through the commandment, Paul realised that sin had first deceived him, and then had brought about his spiritual death. Satan had been behind this, and his objective was the eternal ruin of all humanity. Paul states in Rom.3v10-24., The tragic truth of man’s fall into sin from the innocence of God’s creation. “v10 As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one. [Ps.14v3.] v11 No one understands [no one intelligently discerns or comprehends]; no one seeks out God. [Ps.14v2.] v12 All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong and have become unprofitable and worthless; no one does right, not even one! v13 Their throat is a yawning grave; they use their tongues to deceive (to mislead and to deal treacherously). The venom of asps is beneath their lips. [Ps.5v9. 140v3.] v14 Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. [Ps.10v7.] v15 Their feet are swift to shed blood. v16 Destruction [as it dashes them to pieces] and misery mark their ways. v17 And they have no experience of the way of peace [they know nothing about peace, for a peaceful way they do not even recognize]. [Isa.59v7,8.] v18 There is no [reverential] fear of God before their eyes. [Ps.36v1.] v19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that [the murmurs and excuses of] every mouth may be hushed and all the world may be held accountable to God. v20 For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law. For [the real function of] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin v21 But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the Prophets, v22 Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe. For there is no distinction, v23 Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory, which God bestows and receives. v24 [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favour and mercy), through the redemption, which is [provided] in Christ Jesus. (Amplified Bible). In these Old Testament quotations in Rom.3v10-24., Paul teaches and brings out the truth that “each individual person sins because they WANT to, NOT because they HAVE to.” Their own wilful individual personal sin being the result of their own freewill choice, as Isaiah.53v6., states, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way.” Augustine interpreted Romans.7v14-25., as being Paul’s POST-conversion Christian experience, which is certainly not true. Paul’s Teaching on “Sin in the flesh.” Rom.7v8 to 8v4. N.B. 3. Paul received his doctrine of “sin in the flesh” directly and personally from the Lord Jesus. Gal.1v11,12. Paul teaches that it was not corruption in the soul from Adam that led him astray, but rather the temptations that come from the body, from the flesh, in Rom.8v3., Paul calls this, “sin in the flesh.” In Rom.7v18 to 8v4., Paul graphically describes his bondage to the flesh in his pre-Christian days, and then in Rom.8v2., describes how “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made him free from the law of sin and death.” Paul informs us in Rom.8v3,4., “For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, v4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (NKJV). The glorious victory of Jesus over ”sin in the flesh,” and His awesome enabling presence and power, gives us victory over sin. In Rom.8v12-16., Paul tells of the contrasting ends of those who walk in the flesh and Spirit. “v12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors; not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. v13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. v14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. v15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." v16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, v17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.” The Christian will experience real conflict with the flesh and its biological machinery and desires. We read in Gal.5v16-17. “v16 And I say: In the Spirit walk ye, and the desire of the flesh ye may not complete; v17 for the flesh doth desire contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit contrary to the flesh, and these are opposed one to another, that the things that ye may will — these ye may not do.” (YLT). “Are opposed the one to the other,” is “allelois” 240, “antikeitai” 480, and it means that they are lined up in face-to-face conflict [anti), a spiritual duel with the flesh and the Devil. (“Antikeitai,” is the present indicative of the verb “antikeimai.” The verb means, "to lie opposite to;" hence, "to oppose, withstand." Vine says that the present participle of the verb with the article, is equivalent to a noun, and signifies, "an adversary," e.g., Lk.13v17. 21v15. 1Cor.16v9. Phil.1v28. 1Tim.5v14. In 2Thes.2v4., this same construction is used to describe the Man of Sin, and is translated "He that opposeth." It is used in 1Tim.1v10., of anything, or anyone, that is opposed to the truth in Jesus. Here in Gal.5v17., it describes the conflict between the believer’s spirit and flesh. In Sept. see Zech.3v1. Is.66v6., and Job.13v24. Barnes writes, of Gal.5v17., “And these are contrary. They are opposite in their nature. They never can harmonize; see Rom.8v6v7.; compare Gal 5:19-23. The contrariety Paul has illustrated by showing what each produces; and they are as opposite as adultery, wrath, strife, murders, drunkenness, etc., are to love, joy, goodness, gentleness, and temperance.” End of quote. Walking in the Spirit, and crucifying the flesh, are absolute necessities for the Christian. We read in Gal.5v16,24-26., “I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. v24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. v25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. V26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.” Paul warns us in Gal.6v7-9. v7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. v8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. v 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (NKJV). We have a demanding and exhausting spiritual warfare against powerful evil angels. Paul warns us in Eph.6v10-20., that we have great evil spiritual forces opposing us. They attack our thoughts, and try to inflame the desires of the flesh, and corrupt us through worldly things. They try to take away our anointing with their energy lines. The fiery darts of Satan and the powers of darkness are a reality, but through Jesus’ Name, God’s power and armoury, we can quench them all, and cause Satan and his evil allies to flee. They were totally defeated by Jesus at the Cross. Col.2v14,15. Heb.2v14. However, if we want to make Satan flee from us, the breastplate of righteousness (a holy life) is vital part of the Christian’s armour. James makes this clear in James. 4v4-10., v4 “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. v5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"? v6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." v7 Therefore submit to God. Resist (“antistete”) the devil and he will flee (“feuxetai, future of feugo”) from you. v8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. v9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. v10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” In 1Peter.5v9.“Whom withstand,” is also “antistete,” the imperative aorist active of “anthistemi,” "take a stand against." the same form and instruction as James.4v7. In Prov.7v2-27., we read that God’s Word and a holy life will keep us from being defeated, and led into sin by the strong desires of the flesh. “v2 Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye. v3 Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. v4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," And call understanding your nearest kin, v5 That they may keep you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words.” (NKJV). David, in Ps.17v8,9., asked God to; v8 “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, v9 From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me.” (NKJV). Particularly note, Zech.2v8. “The Lord of Glory has sent me against the nations that oppressed you, for he who harms you sticks his finger in Jehovah's eye!” (TLB). We read in Deut.32v10., that God kept Israel “as the apple of his eye.” Those who attack godly Jews and godly Christians are in serious trouble. It is very dangerous to poke God in the eye! Judgement and eternal judgement awaits those who do it. When our Lord Jesus had His conflicts with the Devil and his evil angels; He became so physically weak that had to be strengthened by angels. We too will find that it will take real spiritual gifts, and God’s aid, to defeat the Wicked One. We read in 2Cor.10v3-5., “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: v4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; v5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.” “Bringing every thought into captivity,” is “aichmalotizontes pan noema.” “Aichmalotizontes,” is the present active participle of “aichmalotizo” 163, from “aichmalotos” 164, a captive taken at spear point in war, from “aichme,” spear, and “halotos,” to be taken. See Luke.4v18. Jesus came to release Satan’s prisoners of war. We can defeat all Satan’s lies and bring them at spear point to Jesus. “To the obedience of Christ,” is “eis teen hupakoen, tou Christou,” the objective genitive, "to the obedience unto Christ." Paul states that laying all our thoughts at the feet of Jesus brings true intellectual liberty, and freedom in Christ. Contrast Luke.21v24. This describes Jerusalem being sacked and devastated by Satan, and at the spear point of Rome, and Antichrist, because of their refusal to listen to Jesus. Peter writes in 2Peter.2v1,2. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who secretly shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. v2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” The word “secretly,” is the Greek, “pareisaxousin”, the future active of “pareisago” 3919, which means, to introduce surreptitiously, to bring in secretly or craftily. This is exactly what Augustine did when he introduced the destructive heresy of Docetic Gnosticism through his abominable doctrine of Original Sin. < >
The Disastrous Effects Of The Doctrine Of Original Sin \| By His Stripes We Are Healed \| The Book Of Revelation \| The Second Coming Of Christ \| The Baptism And Gifts Of The Holy Spirit \| The Comforter Is Come

Chapter Three

Jesus and Paul taught that children are born spiritually alive to God.

Jesus states that children are alive to God, and are NOT “born in sin,” and spiritually dead.
Jesus states that the truth is the very opposite to the doctrine of Original sin, and that a child is born spiritually alive to God, and in receipt of God’s grace, having a pure soul and spirit. Mt.18v1-10. 19v14.

Jesus states in Matt.18v1-4,10, “At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" v2 Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, v3 and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. v4 "Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. v10 "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven.” (NKJ).

Note well. Jesus said that little children are looked upon as the officially authorized inhabitants of the kingdom of heaven, and we have to become like them, or we will not enter heaven. Jesus totally refutes Augustine’s doctrine that children are born depraved and polluted by sin, and if they are not baptised, will go to Hell like the very worst sinner. Jesus said that the angels of a little child have unrestricted access to God. God commands and forbids Satan to hinder the ministries of God’s angels to little children.

Matt.19v13-15. also states., “Then little children were brought to Him that He might put His hands on them and pray, but the disciples rebuked them. v14 But Jesus said, "Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven." v15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there.”(NKJ).

Note well. Jesus said of little children, “for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus declares that children have the spiritual purity of the inhabitants of the kingdom of heaven; this again totally refutes Augustine’s doctrine that children are “born in sin,” and are depraved and polluted by sin.

Paul tells us that children are born spiritually alive to God.
Paul informs us in Romans.7v9-12. v9 “I was once alive (“ezon pote”) without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died; v10 the very commandment which promised life proved to be death to me. v11 For sin, finding opportunity in the commandment, deceived me and by it killed me. v12 So the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good.”

In Romans.7v9., “I was alive,” is the imperfect active, “ezon” 2198. Paul is speaking of the time, when as an infant, he did not know the difference between right and wrong; this was before his conscience awoke and he became morally responsible for his actions. (“Without,” is “choris” 5565, an adverb meaning without, apart, separate). Paul says he was alive to God in his period of childlike innocence, until God’s Law revealed right and wrong to him, and he did the wrong, and died spiritually.

N.B. Rom.5v13-14. v13 “For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law. v14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.” See Rom.4v15. “For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.”

When “the commandment came,” and was applied to Paul’s heart and conscience, and Paul knew right from wrong, “sin revived, (“he” 3588, “hamartia” 266, “anezesen” 326). Sin came to life; the period of innocence was over, and because Paul had broken the Law, he died spiritually. The word “anazao” 326, means to live again, it is usually applied to a renewal of life, Rom.14v19; Luke.15v24,32., but here it means sin, which was before dormant, was now quickened into life. The Jews thought that the Law would sanctify and give comfort to the soul, but both Jesus and Paul say that the broken law produced guilt, woe, and a bad conscience. “And I died,” Paul had become conscious of his sin through his violation of The Law, and realised that it brought about his spiritual death.

Paul here talks about his own consciousness of sin. As a child, he did not really understand the Law, or God’s purpose in giving the Law. The failure to understand the demands of the Law is not confined to children. The young adult, the rich young ruler, mistakenly asserted, "I have observed all these things from my youth." Mk.10v20. Mt.19v20. Lk.18v21. There came a day in Paul's life when God’s command, "Thou shalt not covet," condemned him, and revealed that he was not living according to that command. Through the commandment, Paul realised that sin had first deceived him, and then had brought about his spiritual death. Satan had been behind this, and his objective was the eternal ruin of all humanity.

Paul states in Rom.3v10-24., The tragic truth of man’s fall into sin from the innocence of God’s creation.
“v10 As it is written, None is righteous, just and truthful and upright and conscientious, no, not one. [Ps.14v3.] v11 No one understands [no one intelligently discerns or comprehends]; no one seeks out God. [Ps.14v2.] v12 All have turned aside; together they have gone wrong and have become unprofitable and worthless; no one does right, not even one! v13 Their throat is a yawning grave; they use their tongues to deceive (to mislead and to deal treacherously). The venom of asps is beneath their lips. [Ps.5v9. 140v3.] v14 Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness. [Ps.10v7.] v15 Their feet are swift to shed blood. v16 Destruction [as it dashes them to pieces] and misery mark their ways. v17 And they have no experience of the way of peace [they know nothing about peace, for a peaceful way they do not even recognize]. [Isa.59v7,8.] v18 There is no [reverential] fear of God before their eyes. [Ps.36v1.] v19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it speaks to those who are under the Law, so that [the murmurs and excuses of] every mouth may be hushed and all the world may be held accountable to God. v20 For no person will be justified (made righteous, acquitted, and judged acceptable) in His sight by observing the works prescribed by the Law. For [the real function of] the Law is to make men recognize and be conscious of sin v21 But now the righteousness of God has been revealed independently and altogether apart from the Law, although actually it is attested by the Law and the Prophets, v22 Namely, the righteousness of God which comes by believing with personal trust and confident reliance on Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [And it is meant] for all who believe. For there is no distinction, v23 Since all have sinned and are falling short of the honor and glory, which God bestows and receives. v24 [All] are justified and made upright and in right standing with God, freely and gratuitously by His grace (His unmerited favour and mercy), through the redemption, which is [provided] in Christ Jesus. (Amplified Bible).

In these Old Testament quotations in Rom.3v10-24., Paul teaches and brings out the truth that “each individual person sins because they WANT to, NOT because they HAVE to.” Their own wilful individual personal sin being the result of their own freewill choice, as Isaiah.53v6., states, “All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way.” Augustine interpreted Romans.7v14-25., as being Paul’s POST-conversion Christian experience, which is certainly not true.

Paul’s Teaching on “Sin in the flesh.” Rom.7v8 to 8v4. N.B. 3.
Paul received his doctrine of “sin in the flesh” directly and personally from the Lord Jesus. Gal.1v11,12. Paul teaches that it was not corruption in the soul from Adam that led him astray, but rather the temptations that come from the body, from the flesh, in Rom.8v3., Paul calls this, “sin in the flesh.”

In Rom.7v18 to 8v4., Paul graphically describes his bondage to the flesh in his pre-Christian days, and then in Rom.8v2., describes how “the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made him free from the law of sin and death.” Paul informs us in Rom.8v3,4., “For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, v4 that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.” (NKJV). The glorious victory of Jesus over ”sin in the flesh,” and His awesome enabling presence and power, gives us victory over sin.

In Rom.8v12-16., Paul tells of the contrasting ends of those who walk in the flesh and Spirit.
“v12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors; not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. v13 For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. v14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. v15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, "Abba, Father." v16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, v17 and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”

The Christian will experience real conflict with the flesh and its biological machinery and desires.
We read in Gal.5v16-17. “v16 And I say: In the Spirit walk ye, and the desire of the flesh ye may not complete; v17 for the flesh doth desire contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit contrary to the flesh, and these are opposed one to another, that the things that ye may will — these ye may not do.” (YLT).

“Are opposed the one to the other,” is “allelois” 240, “antikeitai” 480, and it means that they are lined up in face-to-face conflict [anti), a spiritual duel with the flesh and the Devil. (“Antikeitai,” is the present indicative of the verb “antikeimai.” The verb means, "to lie opposite to;" hence, "to oppose, withstand." Vine says that the present participle of the verb with the article, is equivalent to a noun, and signifies, "an adversary," e.g., Lk.13v17. 21v15. 1Cor.16v9. Phil.1v28. 1Tim.5v14. In 2Thes.2v4., this same construction is used to describe the Man of Sin, and is translated "He that opposeth." It is used in 1Tim.1v10., of anything, or anyone, that is opposed to the truth in Jesus. Here in Gal.5v17., it describes the conflict between the believer’s spirit and flesh. In Sept. see Zech.3v1. Is.66v6., and Job.13v24.

Barnes writes, of Gal.5v17., “And these are contrary. They are opposite in their nature. They never can harmonize; see Rom.8v6v7.; compare Gal 5:19-23. The contrariety Paul has illustrated by showing what each produces; and they are as opposite as adultery, wrath, strife, murders, drunkenness, etc., are to love, joy, goodness, gentleness, and temperance.” End of quote.

Walking in the Spirit, and crucifying the flesh, are absolute necessities for the Christian. We read in Gal.5v16,24-26., “I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. v24 And those who are Christ's have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. v25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. V26 Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another.”

Paul warns us in Gal.6v7-9. v7 “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. v8 For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life. v 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (NKJV).

We have a demanding and exhausting spiritual warfare against powerful evil angels.
Paul warns us in Eph.6v10-20., that we have great evil spiritual forces opposing us. They attack our thoughts, and try to inflame the desires of the flesh, and corrupt us through worldly things. They try to take away our anointing with their energy lines. The fiery darts of Satan and the powers of darkness are a reality, but through Jesus’ Name, God’s power and armoury, we can quench them all, and cause Satan and his evil allies to flee. They were totally defeated by Jesus at the Cross. Col.2v14,15. Heb.2v14.

However, if we want to make Satan flee from us, the breastplate of righteousness (a holy life) is vital part of the Christian’s armour. James makes this clear in James. 4v4-10., v4 “Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Whoever therefore wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. v5 Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, "The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously"? v6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble." v7 Therefore submit to God. Resist (“antistete”) the devil and he will flee (“feuxetai, future of feugo”) from you. v8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. v9 Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. v10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.” In 1Peter.5v9.“Whom withstand,” is also “antistete,” the imperative aorist active of “anthistemi,” "take a stand against." the same form and instruction as James.4v7.

In Prov.7v2-27., we read that God’s Word and a holy life will keep us from being defeated, and led into sin by the strong desires of the flesh. “v2 Keep my commands and live, And my law as the apple of your eye. v3 Bind them on your fingers; Write them on the tablet of your heart. v4 Say to wisdom, "You are my sister," And call understanding your nearest kin, v5 That they may keep you from the immoral woman, From the seductress who flatters with her words.” (NKJV).

David, in Ps.17v8,9., asked God to; v8 “Keep me as the apple of Your eye; Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, v9 From the wicked who oppress me, From my deadly enemies who surround me.” (NKJV).
Particularly note, Zech.2v8. “The Lord of Glory has sent me against the nations that oppressed you, for he who harms you sticks his finger in Jehovah's eye!” (TLB). We read in Deut.32v10., that God kept Israel “as the apple of his eye.” Those who attack godly Jews and godly Christians are in serious trouble. It is very dangerous to poke God in the eye! Judgement and eternal judgement awaits those who do it.

When our Lord Jesus had His conflicts with the Devil and his evil angels; He became so physically weak that had to be strengthened by angels. We too will find that it will take real spiritual gifts, and God’s aid, to defeat the Wicked One. We read in 2Cor.10v3-5., “For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: v4 For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; v5 Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ.”

“Bringing every thought into captivity,” is “aichmalotizontes pan noema.” “Aichmalotizontes,” is the present active participle of “aichmalotizo” 163, from “aichmalotos” 164, a captive taken at spear point in war, from “aichme,” spear, and “halotos,” to be taken. See Luke.4v18. Jesus came to release Satan’s prisoners of war. We can defeat all Satan’s lies and bring them at spear point to Jesus. “To the obedience of Christ,” is “eis teen hupakoen, tou Christou,” the objective genitive, "to the obedience unto Christ." Paul states that laying all our thoughts at the feet of Jesus brings true intellectual liberty, and freedom in Christ. Contrast Luke.21v24. This describes Jerusalem being sacked and devastated by Satan, and at the spear point of Rome, and Antichrist, because of their refusal to listen to Jesus.

Peter writes in 2Peter.2v1,2. “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who secretly shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. v2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.” The word “secretly,” is the Greek, “pareisaxousin”, the future active of “pareisago” 3919, which means, to introduce surreptitiously, to bring in secretly or craftily. This is exactly what Augustine did when he introduced the destructive heresy of Docetic Gnosticism through his abominable doctrine of Original Sin.

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