Introduction

God has always made His “will” known to mankind (Gen. 2:15-17; 3:11, 17). It has always been the responsibility of mankind to comply with the “will” of God! Eve was deceived by Satan, causing her to eat the forbidden fruit (Gen 3:4-5; 2 Cor. 11:3; 1 Tim. 2:14). Adam, however, deliberately disobeyed God (Gen. 3:6; Rom. 5:12; 1 Tim. 2:14). Thus, a sin nature became part of the DNA of mankind (Job 25:4; Ps. 51:5) and is passed on by Adam’s male descendants. This is why the Lord Jesus Christ, could be born of a woman; sinless (Gen. 3:15; Mt. 1:16, 18; Lk. 1:34-35; Jn. 1:1-3, 14), since He was born of a virgin without having a human father. Sin [Heb. hata’ah; Gr. hamartia; a falling away from or missing the right path] is the effect of disobeying God! 

The “will” of God was known by Cain and Able, as to what the sacrifice they were required to offer to the LORD should be (Gen. 4:1-15). It was to be a lamb without blemish (Lev. 17:11; Heb. 9:22). Abel complied in obedience to the expressed “will” of God (Gen. 4:2, 4) by his faith in God (Heb. 11:1-4). Abel demonstrated his faith by what he offered to God. The offering made by Cain, in contrast, revealed a deliberate disobedience toward the expressed “will” of God (Gen. 4:1, 3, 5-7). Cain then added to his sin with the murder of his brother Able (Gen. 4:8; 1 Jn. 3:12). Cain was the first “religious” man (Rom. 4:5)! All “manmade religions” are founded by men and women, like Cain, who will not obey the “will” of God. Their “offerings” to God reflect this fact.  These men and women are inspired to do so from the father of all lies, who is Satan (Jn. 8:44).

The founders of all “manmade religions” can be described as being “god-makers” because of the “god” or “gods” they have imagined into existence. The “god-makers” determine the doctrines of faith and method of worship that are to be obeyed by those who choose to follow their false teachings. All of their doctrines and methods of worship are subject to change depending upon events of the day and who the leader might be at that time. Thus, the Holy Bible says this of all the “god-makers.” “. . . they have gone in the way of Cain. . .” (Jude 8-19). All devotees of “manmade religions” will be judged by God (Gen. 3:14-19; Job 36:10-12; Ps. 1; 50; 53)!

There has never been a “manmade religion” that enabled its followers to have a personal and saving relationship with their “god” or “gods!” These “manmade religions” are also never able to “assure” their followers that what they do, in the name of their religion, will ever be enough to appease the “god” or “gods” they worship and serve. In other words, the followers of “manmade religions” can never sing a song like “Blessed Assurance,” to any “god” of the “god-makers.”

The saying that “all religions are alike” is true, according to the God of the Holy Bible, since all of the adherents of “manmade religions” will end in the “lake of fire” where they will be forever  tormented for not doing His “will” (1 Sam. 15:22-23; Mt. 7:21; 25:46; Rev. 20:10-15; 21:8). Many people are unaware that most doctrines of “manmade religions” are always opposed to the teachings contained in the written “Word of God” - the Holy Bible. The actions of the “faithful” of all “manmade religions” will usually reveal this truth (Gen. 4:8). Thus, “manmade religions” are always in conflict with the God of the Holy Bible regardless of what they believe, teach and do. The Scriptures state, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes. . .” (Prov. 12:15). 

God gave Adam one command to obey (Gen. 3:16-17). Afterward, God gave other commands for mankind to obey (Gen. 4:15; 9:1, 4-7). God was reaching out so mankind could fellowship with Him once again (Gen. 5:24; 6:9) and avoid being judged by Him (Gen. 6:3, 11-22; 7:5, 9, 23; 11:1-9). However, like Adam and Cain, the majority of mankind failed to obey the commands of God. The people of Israel then received hundreds of specific “commandments” from God, to regulate their lives by (Ex. 12:1-28; 20:1-17, 23-23:33; Lev. 1:1-27:34). These “commandments” became known as the “Law of God” and led to the birth of the only “religion” ever ordained by God which is Judaism. The “religion” of Judaism ceased to be in the “will” of God after the Lord Jesus Christ “fulfilled” the “Law of God” (Mt. 5:17; 27:50-51; Mk. 15:37-38; Jn. 7:19; 19:30)!

God gave the” law” to show mankind what sin is (Rom. 7:7), knowing this would provoke man to sin even more (Rom. 5:20). This would lead men to despair over their inability to please God by their own efforts. The reason being, “. . . Cursed is everyone that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them. But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God. . .” (Gal. 3:10-11). The “law” was indisputable proof that it would only be by the grace [unmerited favor] of God that a man or a woman could fellowship with God, be forgiven of sin, and be justified to stand in His Holy presence, “. . . Salvation is of the LORD” (Jon. 2:9). Thus, “. . . a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law” (Rom. 3:28), since, “Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law. . .” (Gal. 3:13). The “Word of God,” the Holy Bible, repeatedly reassures us of this truth (Rom. 4:5; 5:8-9; Eph. 2:8-9; 1 Tim. 1:15)!

The “Law” of God” demanded of the Israelites that they love not only God, but the brethren of Israel and all gentiles (Lev. 19:18; Dt. 6:5; Lk. 10:26-27). The new commandment that was given to the members of the “Church” by the Lord Jesus Christ, was to love God (Mt. 22:37-38; Mk. 12:29-30), love each other (Jn. 13:34-35; 15:12, 17; 1 Jn. 2:8-11; 4:7, 11, 21; 2 Jn. 4-6) and to love all others (Mt. 5:44; 19:19; 22:39-40; Mk. 12:31; Lk. 6:27-38; Rom.5:5; 13:8-10; 1 Cor. 13).

The Lord Jesus Christ ended His “Sermon on the Mount” with three warnings. He did this because God is not willing that anyone should perish (2 Pet. 3:9). These three warnings should cause all to ask the following three questions: 1. What is the one and only way that will lead to eternal life (Mt. 7:13-14)? 2. Who are the false prophets [teachers] that will deceive many (Mt. 7:15)? 3. Why will many who call Jesus Christ, “Lord,” not be able to enter into the kingdom of Heaven (Mt. 7:21-23)? The correct answers can only be found in the Holy Bible (Jn. 14:6)!

The First Warning

(Matthew 7:13-14)
by
Robert E. Schoenle

Prologue

The Lord Jesus Christ closed out His “Sermon on the Mount” with three specific warnings. The first warning was about the two “ways” that people had to choose from. Each of these two “ways” led to gates, through which they would reach their eternal destiny. The first “way” is described as the “broad” [wide] way. According to the warning, this is the “way” that the majority of people will take, even though “destruction” [loss] awaits them. In contrast, the second “way” is described as being the “narrow” [compressed] “way,” that would lead to eternal “life” [connection] with God. Thus, the eternal destiny of every human being, will be determined by the “way” [road] they choose to take (Mt. 7:13-14).

The Way

As the Lord Jesus Christ made His way towards Jerusalem, He was asked if only a “few” people would be “saved” (Lk. 13:23). His answer was that many would seek to enter through the “narrow” gate by way of the fact that they had eaten and drunk in his presence [participated in the Passover meal - Communion] and heard His teachings [Bible studies and sermons] (Lk. 13:26). In other words, they are and will be depending on their “religious works” to get them to Heaven. These people believed that they “knew” the Lord Jesus Christ and that they belonged to Him, because of their activities. However, He described these people as being workers of “iniquity” [sin] and as a result, would reject them (Lk. 13:27). Unless we know the difference between “works” and “trust” we are all in danger of being rejected by the Lord Jesus Christ!

There can only be one reason why the Lord Jesus Christ would reject these people who thought they knew and belonged to Him. The reason being that they were engaged in a form of “religion” while using His name. These people never did completely accept the “bad news” of the Old Testament, that there is nothing we can do that will ever justify us before a holy and sinless God (Isa. 64:6). Therefore, they did not truly believe the “good news” of the New Testament which teaches that salvation is solely by the grace of God, and is based only upon the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 1:15) and nothing they have done (Rom. 4:5). This is why, the people who the Lord Jesus Christ was speaking about, proceeded to describe what they had done in His name to justify their worthiness (Lk. 13:26). They were relying both on faith in Him, “plus” their religious “works” in His name, to justify their personal salvation. This is what people do who are trusting in the teachings of their particular, or personal, “religion!”

The Lord Jesus Christ used the illustration of two “gates” which people would enter through (Mt. 7:13-14). One of the gates is “narrow” in contrast to the other which is “wide.” Those who entered through the “narrow” gate would have eternal “life” [connection] with God and those who entered through the “wide” gate would suffer “destruction”. The English word “destruction” is translated from the Greek word “apoleia” which means, “loss,” or “a loss of well being.” The “narrow” gate is both difficult to find and difficult to go through in contrast to the “wide” gate that is both easy to find and easy to enter through. The “reward” for the few that do go through the “narrow” gate will be eternal “life” in Heaven. The “penalty” for those who go through the “wide” gate will be eternal “torment” (Mt. 13:41-42, 49-50; Rev. 14:9-11; 19:20; 20:10-15; 21:8).

The Lord Jesus Christ said, “. . . I am the way . . . no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6). This conclusive and definitive statement was given to reveal the fact that the only “way” to Heaven was by trusting the Lord Jesus Christ alone, as personal Savior, solely by faith! This is why one must conclude that all of the other “ways” to Heaven that other religions, beliefs, and disciplines teach, and profess, must be part of the “broad way,” that will lead to the “wide gate.” This is the “gate” the majority of people will go through during their life on earth.

The “broad way” that leads to the “wide gate” is comprised of, but not limited to the following religions, beliefs, and disciplines: Agnosticism, Alcoholism, Americanism, Amillennialism, Angelism, Anglo-Israelism, Animisticism, Anti-materialism, Antinomianism, Anti-semitism, Arianism, Aristocracyism, Aristotelianism, Arminialism, Armstrongism, Ascended Mastersism, Asceticism, Astrologyism, Atheism, Authoritarianism, Bahaism, Baptism, Brahmanism, British Israelism, Buddhism, Calvinism, Cannibalism, Capitalism, Casteism, Catholicism, Ceremonialism, Charism, Chauvinism, Chi Gongism, Churchism, Christian Reformism, Christian Scienceism, Circumcism, Colonialism, Communism, Confucianism, Congregationalism, Conservatism, Darwinism, Decisionism, Deism, Demonism, Denominationalism, Despotism, Dominionism, Divinationism, Druidism, Dualism, Eastern Mysticism, Ecclesiasticism, Eckankarism, Ecumenism, Egoism, Elitism, Emotionalism, Empiricism, Episcopalianism, Esotericism, Evangelicalism, Environmentalism, Evolutionism, Existentialism, Experiencism, Extrasensoryism, Extraterrestrialism, Falun Gongism, Fascism, Fatalism, Feminism, Feudalism, Formalism. Freudianism, Gaiaism, Globalism, Gnosticism, Hedonism, Hermeticism, Hinduism, Homosexualism, Humanism, Idealism, Illuminism, Imperialism, Individualism, Islamism, Institutionalism, Intellectualism, Jacobinism, Jainism, Judaism, Jungism, Legalism, Leninism, Lesbianism, Liberalism, Lucifarianism, Lutherism, Majoritarianism, Manichaeism, Marianism, Marxism, Masonism, Materialism, Methodism, Modernism, Muhammadanism, Monarchianism, Monotheism, Moralism, Moral Relativism, Mormonism, Multiculturalism, Mysticism, Narcissism, Nationalism, Nation of Islamism, Native Religionism, Naturalism, Naturism, Nazism, Neo-darwinism, Neo-freudianism, Neo-nazism, Neoplatonism, Nepotism, New-age Mysticism, New World  Orderism, Nonmoralism, Norse Paganism, Occultism, One Worldism, Orthodoxyism, Pacifism, Paganism, Pantheism, Paternalism, Patriotism, Pelagianism, Pentecostalism, Phenomenalism, Pietism, Platonism, Pluralism, Politicizism, Polytheism, Post-millennialism,  Pragmatism, Presbyterianism, Preterism,  Protestantism, Proxyism, Psychologism, Qabalah/Kaballahism, Qi Gongism, Racism, Rastafarianism, Rationalism, Reconstructionism, Reincarnationism, Relativism, Roman Catholicism, Ritualism, Rosicrucianism, Sabellianism, Sacramentalism, Sadomasochism,  Santeriaism, Satanism, Scientism, Sectarianism, Secularism, Semitism, Seventh-Day Adventism, Shamanism, Shintoism, Sikhism, Socialism, Social Activism, Spiritualism, Subjectivism, Subordinationism, Supernaturalism, Syncretism, Talmudism, Taoism, Terrorism, Theism, Theocentrism, Theosophyism, Totalitarianism, Traditionalism, Transcendentalism, Tritheism, Uniformitarianism, Unitarianism, Universalism, Utopianism, Vegetarianism, Witch Craftism, Yezidiism, Yogaism, Zionism and Zoroastrianism.

The Scriptures describe those who are trusting in any of the aforementioned religions, beliefs and disciplines, or any others, in this manner, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise” (Prov. 12:15). Also, “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” [separation from God] (Prov. 14:12; 16:25).  

The leaders of the “reformation” that was led by Martin Luther, during the 16th century, knew that “salvation” was not something that could be earned, achieved or attained by doing anything (Rom. 4:5). This caused them to breakaway from the Roman Catholic Church with its religious doctrines, practices, and traditions. The “reformers” also knew that according to the Holy Bible, “salvation” was a gift from God. Thus, the “Protestant [under protest] Movement” was based upon “sola gratia” [grace alone] (Eph. 2:8-9), by “sola fide” [faith alone] (Rom. 5:1), through “sola Scriptura” [Scripture alone] (2 Tim. 3:16-17), and “soli Dio gloria” [to God alone be glory].

It is very difficult for most people to “believe” [trust], that what the Lord Jesus Christ did by way of His death, burial and resurrection (1 Cor. 15:1-4), is enough to save them from receiving the penalty they deserve for their sins. This is why the apostle John was compelled to use the word “believe” sixty different times in his gospel. John never instructed, stipulated, or mandated, in his gospel, that anyone had to “repent,” make Jesus “Lord of their life,” be “baptized,” or do anything other than to simply “believe,” in order to be “saved.” He made this very clear when he gave the reason for why he wrote his gospel (Jn. 20:30-31). He wrote his gospel so people might “believe” [trust] in what the Lord Jesus Christ had done for them, and by their “belief” [trust], have eternal life. If anything else were necessary to do, in order for anyone to be “saved,” then John would have been remiss for not including it, with the reason for writing his gospel! 

All of mankind is born with a rebellious “sin nature” towards God (Ps. 51:5; 58:3; Jn. 3:6; Rom. 5:12; Eph. 2:1-3). This rebellious “sin nature” is revealed, exhibited, and demonstrated by the things we think, say, do, or don’t do during our lifetime on earth. It would seem an impossible task to choose one song out of the countless number of songs that have been written and sung throughout the “ages” which would best illustrate the “sin nature” of mankind towards the “will” of God. The reason being that the chosen song would have to express not only the attitude of mankind towards God, but also how mankind is willing to obey God, worship God, and sacrifice to God. However, the choice of this illustrative song is not difficult at all. The song that would best describe how mankind prefers to obey, worship and sacrifice to God is - “My Way!”  

It is the “sin nature” we are born with that causes each of us to want to be the same “way” with God as Cain. We want everything we do with, to or for God to be based upon the condition that it be done according to “our way” and not by “His will.” Cain was the first man who exhibited this trait by sacrificing to God, what he had determined was a worthy sacrifice and not what God had demanded. Mankind, as a whole, has followed suit ever since, by ignoring what God has to say on the subject in His spoken and written Word in the Holy Bible. Thus, it is our “sin nature” that causes us to oppose, disobey, and rebel against the “instructions,” or the “commandments,” and God’s “will” for us!   

The majority of the men and women who lived during the time of God’s “instructions,” prior to the “law of Moses,” opposed, disobeyed, and rejected God’s “will” for them. The majority of the people who lived during the time after the giving of God’s “commandments,” the “Law,” to Moses did the same thing. As they were then - we are now. In our time, few are willing to do things according to the revealed “will” of God. They simply refuse to do things - God’s way (Lk. 13:23-24)!

God made it clear to Cain and Able that He would only accept a lamb to be sacrificed to Him for the “covering” of their sin. To the people of Israel, God gave a number of sacrifices that they had to offer to Him for the “covering” of their sins. God has now made it clear, by way of His written “Word,” the Holy Bible, that He will only accept the one time sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ for the “remission” of all our individual sins and nothing else. Also, that the one time sacrifice made by the Lord Jesus Christ is “sufficient,” with nothing more to be offered, to God by anyone (Heb. 10:4, 10, 12, 14, 17-18). Thus, His “way,” through the Lord Jesus Christ is the only “way” to Heaven (Acts 4:12)!

It is only through the written “Word of God,” the Holy Bible, that mankind can learn about the love of God for “lost” and “unsaved” people and how the payment for all of their personal sins was made by the one time offering of the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 3:16; Eph. 1:7; 1 Pet. 2:24). It is only the “grace” of God that enables anyone to learn of the Lord Jesus Christ and to “trust” [believe] in the “salvation” that He has so lovingly and graciously provided for each of us!

Epilogue

 ". . . Jesus saith . . . “I am the way . . . no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6)!

The Second Warning

(Matthew 7:15-20)
by
Robert E. Schoenle

Prologue

The second of the three warnings that the Lord Jesus Christ ended His “Sermon on the Mount” with, had to do with “church” leaders and teachers who will distort and deny the historic fundamental doctrines of biblical Christianity. Those who distort the truth in the name of Christianity will be preachers, pastors, priests, bishops, Cardinals, elders, deacons, evangelists, etc. The people who believe these false teachers and their false teachings will think they are “saved” and they will “profess” to be Christians. However, the sad truth is they are not Christians because they have not been “born-again” (Jn. 3:1-7). They have simply been deceived!

The Truth

The teachings of all Christian educators, clergy, and laymen are always to be compared to what the Holy Bible has to say, regarding the subject matter being taught. Consider this warning from the Lord Jesus Christ, “Beware of false prophets [teachers], who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Mt. 7:15). The apostle Paul amplified this warning when he said, “For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock. Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Therefore, watch, and remember, that for the space of three years I ceased not to warn everyone night and day with tears” (Acts 20:29-31). Another warning came from the apostle Peter, “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who [secretly] shall bring in [destructive] heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways . . . ” (2 Pet. 2:1-2). Thus, these false teachers of the holy Scriptures will deceive many of those who faithfully attend “Christian” churches!

It was common, in the days of the Lord Jesus Christ, for a man to indicate what his profession was by the clothing he wore. A rabbi might wear a blue-fringed robe and there was the special dress of the priests. A shepherd that led a flock of sheep usually wore coverings made from skinned sheep. His clothing would identify him to others as being a shepherd of sheep. The  responsibilities of the shepherd was to care for his flock by leading them to green pastures, where they could feed, and to still waters to drink, since sheep will not drink from a fast-flowing steam of water. It was the duty of the shepherd to protect his flock from wild animals and those who might try to steal them (Ps. 23; Jn. 10:11-16). The life of the sheep depended on their shepherd!

The relationship between the shepherd and his flock of sheep, during the times of the Lord Jesus Christ, was an intimate one. The shepherd knew each member of his flock individually (2 Tim. 2:19), and those of his flock knew him by the sound of his voice. The first thing the lamb heard upon being born, was the shepherd’s voice as he was dried off. It was the shepherd’s voice that the flock came to know and trust as they followed him to wherever he led them. When shepherds met in the field, and fellowshipped together, there was no concern while their flocks of sheep commingled together. Each shepherd knew that their flocks of sheep would follow them, by the sound of their voice, as they left the area where the commingling took place (Jn. 10:3-5, 14, 27).

It was the shepherd who would lie across the entrance to the “sheep fold” at night in order to protect them from wild animals. This act also made him the “door” that one would have to go through in order to become a member of the flock that he was the shepherd of (Jn. 10:2, 7, 9). The sheep of the flock felt so secure and were so confident in their shepherd’s leadership, care and presence, that they would follow him with absolute trust wherever he might go!

The pastoral scene of a flock of sheep following a shepherd who they trust to look out for their best interest and to provide for their nourishment and safety is both picturesque and comforting. The same scene viewed with a hungry wolf leading the same trusting flock of sheep to their doom is not only horrifying but the consequences dreadful to contemplate. The illustration of a wolf leading a flock of sheep is a perfect description of what is taking place in the majority of so-called Christian “denominations” and so-called Christian “churches” throughout the world today!

The false teachers, who the Lord Jesus Christ said would come dressed in “sheep’s clothing,” are men and women who are the leaders of “professing” Christian churches! These churches are made up of people who trust their leaders to guide them in biblical truth and to feed them the “Word of God” correctly. They are also trusting their leaders to protect them from being deceived or deluded by false teachings. False teachers appear to be faithful shepherds who can be trusted. These are the people who the apostle Paul warned would come preaching another gospel (2 Cor. 11:4). They are deceitful workers who appear to be ministers of righteousness, the same as Satan who transformed himself into an angel of light (2 Cor. 11:13-15). The deception of false teachers will characterize the end of the “age” known as “Grace” (Mt. 24:11, 24; 1 Jn. 4:1).

There are many well known Christian leaders, pastors and teachers who can be described as being “wolves” who are dressed in sheep’s clothing! Some of the false “gospels” that these people will preach and teach include those known as the, “health and wealth gospel,” the “prosperity gospel,” the “possibility gospel,” the “name it and claim it gospel,” the “you have to repent or be baptized gospel,” the “indulge certain sacraments gospel,” the “make a decision for Jesus gospel,” the “give your heart or life to Jesus gospel,” the “you have to first make Jesus your Lord, before you can have Him as your Savior gospel,” or the “word of faith gospel.” The Lord Jesus Christ compared the results of these teachings with bad fruit coming from a corrupt tree. In other words, the corrupt tree [false Bible teachers and their false gospels] will produce corrupt fruit [deceived, unsaved, “professing” Christians] (Mt. 7:16-20).

Those who teach and preach the aforementioned false gospels do not understand or appreciate that God does all of the “giving” and we do all of the “receiving” when it comes to the “gift” of salvation. A “gift” is always received by the simple act of accepting it. If the one accepting the “gift” had to do something in exchange for the “gift” they are receiving, then it would no longer be a “gift.” It is for this reason that we do not attempt to “ensure” our salvation by giving or doing something for Him to make sure that He will forgive us. Those who do this are then trusting something that they have done, are doing or hope to do, “in addition” to what the Lord Jesus Christ has done, for their salvation. Those who do this are then, unknowingly, engaged in a form of “religion.” Unfortunately, the teachings that are most often heard are those that compel them to do these things. The result is that most “professing” Christians have been either “deceived” or “deluded” by false teachers into “thinking” that they are Christians when in reality they are not!

Only God knows how many pulpits are presently occupied by “professing” Christian Bible teachers who are teaching a false gospel! It is for this reason that the responsibility, to determine the truth of what is being taught, rests upon the one being taught. This is why we are told to search the Scriptures (Jn. 5:39) and to test the spirits (1 Jn. 4:1), to be sure that what is being taught is true. This is what the people of Berea were commended for doing (Acts 17:10-11).

The most important question any “professing” Christian can be asked is, “What is your salvation based upon?” There can only be one correct answer to this question! That correct answer being, “I am solely trusting in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, by faith alone, for my forgiveness, redemption and justification before a holy and perfect God.”

A fundamental Christian truth is that any man or woman who says or teaches it is necessary to do something, or anything, in addition to “solely” believing in the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ, by faith alone, in order to be “saved” is preaching a false gospel! In other words, there is only ONE thing that each of us are to do to attain forgiveness of all the sins we are each guilty of and to obtain eternal life with God. That one thing is to simply “trust” that what the Lord Jesus Christ did, while on the cross at Calvary, is enough to forever cleanse us of all our sins. This includes all of our sins, no matter when they were committed, including the past, the present or the future. They have been paid in full by our blessed Savior - the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 19:30)!

The following list of Christian leaders, Bible teachers, clergy, and laymen are just a few of the many who are guilty of having said and taught that you must do TWO or more things in order to be “saved.” This teaching is not biblical and is contrary to the historic fundamental doctrines of biblical Christianity in regards to the subjects of salvation, justification and the atonement of the Lord Jesus Christ. Any who do this are preaching and teaching another gospel! Some of these people were well known in past years and some of them are well known in our present day and age. They include: Bill Hamon, Benny Hinn, Pat Robertson, Peter Popoff, Larry Lea, John MacArthur, Norman Vincent Peale, Kenneth and Gloria Copeland, Paul and Jan Crouch, Earl Paulk, Ernest Angley, Ellen G. White, Tammy Faye Baker, Kenneth E. Hagin, Mary Baker Eddy, Oral Roberts,  Robert Tilton, Gary North, Jimmy Swaggart, Billy Graham,  Chuck Colson,  D. James Kennedy, James Lovell, Kay Arthur, Frederick Price, Charles Capps, Jerry Rose, Robert Schuller, Paul Yong Cho, Bill McCartney, Pope John Paul II, Joseph Smith, Jr., Brigham Young, Casey Treat, Della Reese, Emilie H. Cady, Jerry Savelle, Herbert W. Armstrong, Nathan H. Knorr, Garner Ted Armstrong, Paul Billheimer, E. W. Kenyon, D. M. Baillie, Morris Cerrallo, Emanuel Swedenborg, Charles Taze Russell, Joseph F. Rutherford, Phineas Parkhurst Quimby, Charles and Myrtle Fillmore, Howard Rand, and Johnnie Coleman. There are many others who teach that it is necessary to do TWO or more things to be “saved” or to become a “Christian” besides those who have been named here. It is impossible to name them all in this manuscript.

It is vital to keep in mind that it is necessary to do only ONE thing in order to become a true “born-from-above” or “born-again” Christian. That ONE thing is to simply “believe” [trust] that what the Lord Jesus Christ did while on the cross is sufficient to save you from the penalty of all your committed sins. That your “believing” is the “cause” of your salvation. This is why the apostle John used the word “believe” [trust] sixty times in his gospel and not once used the word “repent.” His reason for writing his gospel was so his readers would first “believe” [trust] and therefore be “saved” (Jn. 20:30-31). If anything else was needed to do in order to be “saved” then John would have been “remiss” for not including it with his reason for writing his gospel! Whatever John’s readers did after they first “believed” [trust] would be the “effect” of their “belief.” The “effect” of your salvation will be a “change of mind” [repentance] towards past actions and a willingness to be “identified” [baptized] with the Lord Jesus Christ in your life!

 It is a frightening thought to know that all false “gospel” teachers are under the curse of God! It was the apostle Paul who wrote, “. . . there are some that . . . would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:7-9).

In contrast to the “false shepherds,” it is the Lord Jesus Christ who is described as being the “good shepherd” (Ps. 23; Jn. 10:1-30), the “great Shepherd” (Heb. 13:20), or the “chief Shepherd” (1 Pet. 5:4) of all those who “trust” Him as their personal Savior. “Then said Jesus unto them again,  Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep” (Jn. 10:7). He also said, “I am the door; by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture” (Jn. 10:9), and, “. . . Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice” (Jn. 18:37).

The discernment to know the “truth” [the Lord Jesus Christ], like salvation itself, is God given (1 Cor. 2). If it were not so, even the very elect [the 144,000 Jewish evangelists who will preach of the coming kingdom during the seven years of “tribulation” that precede the “2nd Advent” of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth (Mt. 24:14; Rev. 6:9-11; 7:1-8)], would be “deceived” (Mt. 24:24).

Epilogue

“. . . Jesus saith . . . I am . . . the truth . . . no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6)!

The Third Warning

(Matthew 7:21-27)
by
Robert E. Schoenle

Prologue

One of the most “frightening” warnings in all of the Holy Bible is the third and final warning with which the Lord Jesus Christ concluded His “Sermon on the Mount.” His warning was, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father, who is in heaven” (Mt. 7:21). This warning seems to suggest that “salvation” can be “lost” and removes the “assurance” of “salvation” that the Christian is to be confident in having (Acts 20:28; 2 Cor. 1:21-22; Eph. 1:13; 4:30; 2 Tim. 2:19; 1 Jn. 5:13). Since “salvation,” once received, cannot be “lost” or “taken away” this warning simply tells us that not all who “profess” to be Christians are truly “saved.” Thus, they will miss Heaven (Mt. 7:22-27)!

The Life

This third warning should cause the reader to ask questions such as: 1. Who are these people who say “Lord, Lord” but are not allowed into the kingdom of Heaven?  2. Why did they think they were worthy of Heaven?  3. What is the “will” of the father?  4. Can we do the “will” of the Father? 5. Can we be sure of having eternal salvation? The correct answers to these questions can only come from a diligent search of the holy Scriptures (1 Jn. 4:1). It is vital for all “professing” Christians to do so, since their eternal destiny is dependent upon having the correct answers! The answers to the aforementioned questions must begin by first identifying who and what each of the components in this passage represent and to also determine when “that day” will be fulfilled.

The “every one” in Matthew 7:21 must refer to people who think they are “true” Christians. The “Lord” they are crying out to can only be the Lord Jesus Christ. However, not all of them “shall” enter into the “kingdom of heaven.” The reason why, is they did not do the “will” of God the Father.” The “Age of Law” was fulfilled by the Lord Jesus Christ at Calvary (Mt. 5:17; 27:50-51; Mk. 15:37-38; Jn. 7:19; 19:30). Since that time, the “will” of God the Father is for people to simply “believe” [trust] that the sacrifice made by the Lord Jesus Christ on their behalf, is sufficient to save them from the penalty they deserve for all of the sins they have or will ever commit. The thief on the cross was the first man “saved” in our current “Age of Grace.” He could do no works on his part (Lk. 23:39-43; Rom. 6:14). This man simply - “believed.”

The Lord Jesus Christ said “in that day” these people would cry out to Him. This will be true of  “professing”  Christians who are “left behind” on the day known as the “Rapture”  (Mt. 7:22-23; 24:37-41; 25:1-13; Lk. 17:26-30, 34-36; Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Th. 4:13-18). 

Thus, the people who this warning is speaking about are those who will be “left behind” when the Lord Jesus Christ returns for His “bride” - the “Church.” Those who are “left behind” will point out how they had “prophesied” and “cast out” demons in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. They had also done many wonderful “works” in His name, took “communion,” and sat in Bible studies (Mt. 7:22; Lk. 13:26). The response of the Lord Jesus Christ, to these “proofs” of their “salvation,” is that their “works” were done out of “lawlessness” [sin] and they are to “depart” from His presence since He never “knew” them (Mt. 7:23; 25:12; Lk. 13:25, 27)!

The Lord Jesus Christ then said that whoever hears His sayings and does them will be compared to a man who built his house upon a “rock” (Mt. 7:24) and not upon “sand” (Mt. 7:26). He then uses the foundations of two different houses, built by two different men, to “illustrate” what the “faith” of each of the house builders was based upon (1 Cor. 3:11). One of the men is a “true” Christian and the other man is a “professing” Christian! 

The “Rock,” in this illustration, represents the Lord Jesus Christ who nurtured the Israelites during their “exodus” from Egypt and during the years prior to their entering the land of Canaan (1 Cor. 10:4). The Lord Jesus Christ is both the “cornerstone” of Zion (Isa. 28:16) and of the “Church,” which is an “assembly” of people comprised of Jewish and Gentile “believers.” He is also a “stumbling stone” to “unbelievers” (1 Pet. 2:4-8). The Lord Jesus Christ declared Himself to be the “Rock” that He would build His “Church” [assembly] upon (Mt. 16:18). Thus, the “faith” of the “believer” must be based “solely” upon the finished work of the Lord Jesus Christ!

The foundation of the “wise” [saved - “true” Christian] man’s house was a “rock” [the Lord Jesus Christ], while the foundation for the “foolish” [unsaved - “professing” Christian] man’s house was “sand” [works = religion]. The foundations of both houses were subject to natural elements like rain, flood water, and wind (Mt. 7:24-27). Sand will change due to weather conditions while a rock will not. Thus, the house built upon the “rock” is secure which is why the man who builds his house on a rock is called “wise” by the Lord Jesus Christ (Mt. 7:24).

The use of the word “wise” is usually applied to those who are “righteous” [saved]. There are many passages in the Scriptures that speak of “wisdom” and those who are “wise.” Usually those who are credited with having “wisdom” or of being “wise” are those who seek out the LORD [the self existent one], by way of the Holy Bible and keep His commandments (Prov. 2:1-9; 3:1-6; 8:14; Eph. 1:7-9, 17; Col. 1:9, 28; 2:1-3; 3:16; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 3:13).

This story of the two men who each built a house for themselves is an “illustration” of the contrast between “true” Christians and “professing” Christians! The “true” Christian is one whose salvation is resting “solely” on what the Lord Jesus Christ did for them while on the cross at Calvary - by faith alone. The “professing” Christian, on the other hand, is resting on what they have done,  are doing, or hope to do for the Lord Jesus Christ in addition to what He has done for them. In other words - “religion.” This might include but by no means is limited to such things as “joining a church,” “repenting,” “making Jesus Lord of their life,” “being baptized,” “having an experience,” “speak in tongues,” or something else they have done to “ensure” their “salvation."

The Lord Jesus Christ then said that the man who hears the word of God and does not obey it is like a “foolish” man who builds his house upon “sand” (Mt. 7:26). When the word “foolish” is used to describe someone in the Holy Bible, it usually means that they do not know the “ways” or “laws” of God and they do works of “lawlessness,” or against the “Law of God.” Those described by this word are usually in a “lost” [unsaved] condition (Dt. 32:6, 21; Ps. 5:5; 39:8; 73:3, 22; 74:18, 22; Prov. 9:6, 13; 14:7; 15:7; 19:3; 24:9; Jer. 5:4, 21; 10:8; Ezek. 13:3; Rom. 1:21-23; 2:20; 1 Cor. 1:18; 2:14; 1 Tim. 6:9; Ti. 3:3; 1 Pet. 2:15). The destiny of the “wise” [saved] and the destiny of the “foolish” [unsaved] is best described by the following portion of Scripture; “The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the promotion of fools” (Prov. 3:35).

All “religions” always oppose the “clear” teachings of the Holy Bible. Thus, all “religions” always oppose the revealed “will” of the God of the Holy Bible. All “religions” teach that Heaven must be earned by “good” people. The Holy Bible teaches that Heaven is a gift to “bad” people. The “bad” people are those who know they are sinners and acknowledge they can do nothing to justify themselves before a holy and perfect God. They are trusting, by faith alone, in what God has done for them, through the finished work of their Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ for their eternal “salvation.” The “good” people, in contrast, are those who “deem themselves” worthy of Heaven because of the bad things they are not guilty of doing, and the good things they have done or hope to do. They are trusting in their own efforts, or their “religion,” to make them worthy of Heaven. These people have been deceived, since no “manmade” religion can ever guarantee entry into Heaven. All who are “religious” are in bondage to sin (Lk. 18:9-14)!

The Hebrew and Greek words for “salvation” imply the ideas of deliverance, healing, safety, preservation and soundness. The word “salvation” is the great inclusive word of the “good news” [gospel] of the Lord Jesus Christ that gathers into itself, all the redemptive acts and processes such as grace, forgiveness, redemption, propitiation, justification, imputation, sanctification and glorification. The “Word of God” is clear in teaching that “salvation” is a free “gift” and wholly without “works.” “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” (Eph. 2:8-9). This means that no human being will ever be able to say that they had made it to Heaven because of something that they did, while on earth (Rom. 4:5). Thus, the Holy Bible teaches that Heaven is a “gift,” and that “rewards” must be earned. This is in contrast to “religions” which teach that Heaven must be “earned” and that “rewards” are a gift. The teachings of all “manmade” religions are usually the opposite of, or in conflict with, biblical teachings!

False Bible teachers will always teach that you must do something in order to attain salvation! They will insist that for anyone to truly be “saved” and worthy of Heaven they must do something  “in addition” to trusting the Lord Jesus Christ  as their personal Savior.  They will, of course, use the Holy Bible to prove their false teachings to be true (1 Jn. 4:1). Those who believe these false teachers will be “deceived.” Paul warned that some would depart from the true faith and be seduced into believing the teachings of “demons” (1 Tim. 4:1).

Thus, when the Lord Jesus Christ said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father, who is in heaven” (Mt. 7:21), He was referring to those who would “not” be trusting “solely” in His finished work, by faith alone, for their salvation. These people will also be relying upon “their own” good works, good life, or their “religious” activities in His name as proof of their salvation and readiness to be taken by Him. This is why they would be “left behind” at the “Rapture.” They had built their house upon a foundation of “sand.” Otherwise known as, “false religious teachings.”

Those who insist on placing their faith in their own good “works” and life, or in “religious” teachings, traditions and liturgy until their death are not doing the “will” of God! They will eventually be “cut off” [separated] from the God of the Holy Bible and be tormented for their disobedience throughout eternity (Mt. 13:41-42; 25:41, 46; Rev. 14:10-11; 20:10, 15)! The apostle John wrote, “And the world passeth away, and the lust of it; but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever” (1 Jn. 2:17). The Lord Jesus Christ said, “For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and my mother” (Mk. 3:35).

The Lord Jesus Christ made an “atonement” for all the sins of the world (Jn. 3:16; Rom. 3:24-25; 5:9; Eph. 1:7; Col. 1:14, 20; 1 Pet. 2:24; Rev. 5:9). Thus, the “will” of God the Father for all of mankind, is to simply “trust” [believe], by faith alone, in the “atonement” made by Him and in “nothing” else (Acts 4:12; 15:11; 16:31). Those who refuse to do so, will not be taken at the “Rapture” [the snatching out of all “living” Christians by the Lord Jesus Christ]. This will happen in the “twinkling of an eye” (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:51-53; 1 Th. 4:13-18).

Epilogue

“. . . Jesus saith . . . I am . . . the life; no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6)!

Three Warnings from
 the Sermon on the Mount!

by
Robert E. Schoenle

Conclusion

It has been Satan’s mission to “distort” (Gen. 3:1) and “deny” (Gen. 3:4) the “Word of God” so he might “deceive” (Gen. 3:5) mankind. Thus, Satan has been an adversary of mankind since the “Garden of Eden” (1 Pet. 5:8). Eve was the first of mankind to be so “deceived” (Gen. 3:5) by the “father of all lies” - Satan (Jn. 8:44). The deception of Eve, led Adam to sin against the “will” of God (Gen. 3:6). The “sin nature” that Adam acquired by his disobedience to God, has been passed on to all who physically descend from him (Isa. 43:27; Rom. 3:23; 5:12). The mission of Satan has been successful, for the most part, since the majority of mankind, has been deceived by his teachings about God, the Lord Jesus Christ, salvation, and the “Word of God” (1 Jn. 4:1).

There is a false “saying” that is believed to be true by many people in our day and age. It is that, “perception is reality.” Those who believe this “saying” are unaware that it is the business of every “illusionist” and “confidence man or woman” to have people believe that what “appears” to be real - is real. The true “saying” that all people should believe is, “reality is reality!” A “reality” of life is that the Holy Bible is the sole source of truth on earth! Only the historical information, teachings, and warnings contained within its pages can prevent those who study, search, and meditate upon its contents, from being deceived and therefore “lost” for eternity.   

Unlike biblical Christianity (Acts 17:10-12), no “manmade religion” will encourage its adherents to question, challenge or require evidence to support its doctrines. All “manmade religions” will insist their extra-biblical writings and revelations “supersede” the Holy Bible. They have to, since no “manmade religion” can support its beliefs by use of the Holy Bible alone (Ex. 20:1-17). The “adherents” of “manmade religions” reveal themselves to be non thinkers and illogical by not investigating the history of their “manmade religion.” Those who take their “religion” seriously will always be deeply “offended” by the true “gospel” of the Lord Jesus Christ (Jn. 3:16; 14:6; 1 Cor. 15:1-4; 1 Pet. 2:8). “Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD . . .” (Isa. 1:18).

A Christian is to always be ready to explain why they believe, what they believe, by way of the Holy Bible (1 Pet. 3:15). Also, all that a Christian does must be “motivated” by love (1 Cor. 13). This teaching is exclusive to biblical Christianity! A Christian will share the “Good News” of the Lord Jesus Christ because they care about others. The love of God for the “lost” is evident in the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 1:15). To reject that love is unforgivable (1 Cor. 1:18; 2:14). Amen.