"For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel ... for the Kingdom of God is not in word, but in power." (I Corinthians 4:15)
Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost prompts us to continue steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine. (Acts 2:42) Why? Because the apostles' doctrine (according to His Word) is sound doctrine. "Holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." (Titus 1:9)
Who are the gainsayers? Certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James to them that are sanctified by God the Father and preserved in Jesus Christ, (and called) explains it this way.
"Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear; clouds [they] are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withers, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots, raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever." (Jude 1:11)
This is why we who believe in Jesus by faith, and have been clothed in His righteousness in water baptism, desire in our hearts to only speak the things which become sound doctrine. (Titus 2:1) It also explains why we preach the Word, instant both in season and out of season, reproving, rebuking, exhorting with all long suffering and doctrine. Because there will be a time (and we are seeing this phenomenon emerging more and more) where they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. (II Timothy 4:3)
Nevertheless, we are instructed to consent not to wholesome words when those desire to preach another gospel, but the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godliness. (I Timothy 6:3-5)
Knowing this -- that "all scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (II Timothy 3:16)
There is no place for preaching "another" gospel beyond what is already penned within the written Word. Instead we are to hold fast the form of sound words, "which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." (II Timothy 1:13)
So, what constitutes godliness? Well we know what is not godliness. That is, "having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof" to which we are instructed -- "from such turn away!" (II Timothy 3:5) And this message does not change throughout the gospel. But there is a message that is triumphant, and that is the mystery of godliness, that has been (and is) revealed to those believers who continue to seek Jesus through faith. Those who, as Jesus said, "abide in Me." (John 15:7)
"And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
Jesus said, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51)
This is why we are to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 1:3) And this is also why we study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
The Word of truth?
1. The principle of the doctrine of Christ: (Hebrews 6:1) God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. God Himself became our Saviour.
"But after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ... 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, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)
2. The foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God: (Hebrews 6:1)
Without the shedding of blood, there was to be no remission of sin. The only remedial atoning blood was that holy undefiled blood of the Holy Ghost that was sacrificed freely, and yet, with agonizing torture, administered by the hands of fallen, unbelieving and religious fanatics. In their ignorance, and intent on crucifying the Lord of glory, the judicial system, at the conclusion of their proceeding had issued a verdict that stated, "I find no fault in Him." And yet, His blood was still shed for you and I. This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. Still, for those who believe in the Name of Jesus and trusts in Thy Word (which is truth) -- the surety of a better testament, we can know from whence comes our salvation. (Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 9:15-18; John 17:17; Psalm 119:105)
"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 boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Then Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) 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." (Acts 2:38)
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [His] resurrection.
Peter (standing with the eleven) on the day of Pentecost prompts us to continue steadfastly in the apostle's doctrine. (Acts 2:42) Why? Because the apostles' doctrine (according to His Word) is sound doctrine. "Holding fast the faithful Word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers." (Titus 1:9)
Who are the gainsayers? Certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James to them that are sanctified by God the Father and preserved in Jesus Christ, (and called) explains it this way.
"Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are spots in your feasts of charity, when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear; clouds [they] are without water, carried about of winds; trees whose fruit withers, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots, raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever." (Jude 1:11)
This is why we who believe in Jesus by faith, and have been clothed in His righteousness in water baptism, desire in our hearts to only speak the things which become sound doctrine. (Titus 2:1) It also explains why we preach the Word, instant both in season and out of season, reproving, rebuking, exhorting with all long suffering and doctrine. Because there will be a time (and we are seeing this phenomenon emerging more and more) where they will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears. (II Timothy 4:3)
Nevertheless, we are instructed to consent not to wholesome words when those desire to preach another gospel, but the words of our Lord Jesus Christ and to the doctrine which is according to godliness. (I Timothy 6:3-5)
Knowing this -- that "all scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (II Timothy 3:16)
There is no place for preaching "another" gospel beyond what is already penned within the written Word. Instead we are to hold fast the form of sound words, "which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." (II Timothy 1:13)
So, what constitutes godliness? Well we know what is not godliness. That is, "having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof" to which we are instructed -- "from such turn away!" (II Timothy 3:5) And this message does not change throughout the gospel. But there is a message that is triumphant, and that is the mystery of godliness, that has been (and is) revealed to those believers who continue to seek Jesus through faith. Those who, as Jesus said, "abide in Me." (John 15:7)
"And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory." (I Timothy 3:16)
Jesus said, "I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world." (John 6:51)
This is why we are to earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. (Jude 1:3) And this is also why we study to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of truth. (II Timothy 2:15)
The Word of truth?
1. The principle of the doctrine of Christ: (Hebrews 6:1) God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself. God Himself became our Saviour.
"But after the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared ... 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, which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour, that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life." (Titus 3:4-7)
2. The foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God: (Hebrews 6:1)
Without the shedding of blood, there was to be no remission of sin. The only remedial atoning blood was that holy undefiled blood of the Holy Ghost that was sacrificed freely, and yet, with agonizing torture, administered by the hands of fallen, unbelieving and religious fanatics. In their ignorance, and intent on crucifying the Lord of glory, the judicial system, at the conclusion of their proceeding had issued a verdict that stated, "I find no fault in Him." And yet, His blood was still shed for you and I. This same Jesus whom ye have crucified is both Lord and Christ. Still, for those who believe in the Name of Jesus and trusts in Thy Word (which is truth) -- the surety of a better testament, we can know from whence comes our salvation. (Hebrews 7:22; Hebrews 9:15-18; John 17:17; Psalm 119:105)
"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 boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9)
Then Peter (standing with the eleven on the day of Pentecost) 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." (Acts 2:38)
"What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? Therefore, we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall be also [in the likeness] of [His] resurrection.
Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with [Him], that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth, we should not serve sin, for He that is dead is freed from sin. Now if we be dead with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him: knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more. Death hath no more dominion over Him.
For in that He died, He died unto sin once: but in that He liveth, He liveth unto God. Likewise, reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members [as] instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members [as] instruments of righteousness unto God.
For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace. What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness? But God be thanked, that ye WERE the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.
I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things [is] death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. For the wages of sin [is] death; but the gift of God [is] eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:1-23)
"Wherefore, (as the Holy Ghost saith, "To day if ye will hear His voice ..." (Hebrews 3:7)
3. Of the doctrine of baptisms: (Hebrews 6:2)
Water baptism in the Name of the Lord Jesus -- not the putting away of the filth of the flesh but the answer of a good conscience toward God by the resurrection of Jesus Christ / buried with Him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God / justified in the Name of the Lord Jesus (Acts 2:36-47; I Peter 3:21; Matthew 3:1-16; Acts 22:16; Mark 16:16; Romans 6:3-4; John 3:5; Acts 10:44-48; Galatians 3:27; Acts 8:15, 36-39; Matthew 28:18-20; Colossians 2:12; I Corinthians 6:11; Acts 19:2)
"Then remembered I the Word of the Lord, how that He said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost." (Acts 11:16)
"Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that He had said before, "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days," saith the Lord, "I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more." (Hebrews 10:15-17)
4. Of laying on of hands: (Hebrews 6:2)
"Then laid they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost." (Acts 8:17)
"Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them." (Acts 6:6)
"And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them: and they spake with tongues, and prophesied." (Acts 19:6)
5. Of resurrection of the dead: (Hebrews 6:2)
"But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen ... Now if Christ be preached that He rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? ... For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead." (I Corinthians 15:12-21)
"And have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust." (Acts 24:15)
Jesus said unto her, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live ..." (John 11:25)
"But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, "I Am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." (Matthew 22:31)
"And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead ..." (Romans 1:4)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ..." (I Peter 1:3)
"But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying, "I Am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living." (Matthew 22:31)
"And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead ..." (Romans 1:4)
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead ..." (I Peter 1:3)
6. And of eternal judgment: (Hebrews 6:2)
"These things have I written unto you that believe on the Name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the Name of the Son of God." (I John 5:13)
"That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:15)
"And this is the promise that He hath promised us, even eternal life." (I John 2:25)
"And being made perfect, He became the Author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey Him;" (Hebrews 5:9)
"For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." (Romans 6:23)
"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me." (John 5:39)
This is our foundation. Please note that there are many other scriptures that could have been included here but I believe this is sufficient to start you on your way to fulfilling the purpose that the Lord wrote in your heart whilst ye were still in your mother's womb. Be diligent in your study of His Word. Continue steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine. (Acts 2:36-47) Most of all to them, who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality? There is eternal life. (Romans 2:7)
In Jesus! The King of kings and Lord of lords. Alpha and Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the ending. (Revelation 1:8, 11) He is still calling for you to come to the wedding feast. And then stand fast in the liberty wherewith is Christ. (Galatians 5:1)
Stand fast in the offering plate.
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