What is God’s Love?
Right Concept of God’s Love:
The Apostle John tells us that ‘God is love’ and he who does not have this (same) love does not know God. 1Jh4:7-8. But in what manner this love is be expressed has been an issue of great contention among professed Christians since the beginning. Every Church person knows that 1Cor13 is the ‘love chapter, its read at many weddings and even given as vows between husbands and wives. But seldom do they include verse 6: ‘Love does not rejoice in iniquity but in the Truth’. This is because ‘Christian Charity toward the world does not include the ‘Truth. It includes Philanthropy in the highest form but never the truth about turning from Sin. God’s love for mankind is dispassionate, meaning fair-minded and without prejudice, not wiling any perish (in sin) but come to a precise and correct Knowledge of His Truth. (1Tim2:4) The Greek word for God’s love is ‘agapao, defined as impartial benevolence, having a preference for, and a high regard of someone’s well-being; Certainly fully expressed in Jesus Christ dying for the sins of the world and offering them an opportunity to be reconciled to God through repentance and faith proven by deeds. Therefore ‘Charity apart from truth (departure from sin!) is commendable to men but clanging symbols to God. The Professed Church is abundant in charitable works but stand condemned as ‘workers of iniquity. (Matt7:21-23)
“I Never Knew you!”
Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’ Matt7:21-23
In the Phony professing Christian world of WWJD (what would Jesus do) we have a multitude of missions, soup kitchens, outreaches and self-help programs all existing in ‘Jesus Name’ but NOT preaching His Gospel. But they never seem to stop and ask themselves would Jesus open a soup kitchen or outreach provide the physical needs of people and leave them in bondage to their miserable sinful addictions with a pat on the back and an imaginary cover that excuses them from their personal responsibility to Come Clean with God, treating it as a malady instead of Transgression? Sin is misery and bondage, abundance in Christ is freedom from bondage and new life in the Spirit. John10:10
But the professing Mission-outreach world will never understand this. They are so busy meeting the ‘physical needs of the under-privileged, they have no idea that Christ is speaking directly to them in Matt7:21-23 where He doesn’t deny their ‘many works, but says to them:
‘I Never knew you, depart from me you workers of iniquity!’ What makes them ‘workers of iniquity disqualified from the Kingdom is their futile efforts to help people without also bringing them from ‘Darkness to Light from the Power of Satan to God’, through Repentance and faith proven by deeds! (Acts26:18-21) They want to emulate the Book of Acts in which a communal style existed among the early Christians out of necessity due to their dire circumstances facing death and persecutions from Roman authorities. But even under such severe conditions they went about ‘doing good AND TURNING away EVERYONE from their INIQUITIES! (Acts3:26) Their efforts were never in Vain and truly offered people deliverance from the misery of sin and shame. Present day Missions may offer deliverance from hunger, cold and nakedness, but NEVER from the corrupting influence of sin.
As difficult as it is to cast aspersions on good works done in Jesus Name, charitable outreach and human philanthropy, we must step back and examine the facts. The Gospel of Christ is NOT being preached as part of these efforts. Those supposedly ‘ministered to remain in bondage to their sins, wallowing in never ending, repeated patterns of misery with no hope in sight expect their next free meal, warm bed and hand out. They are prayed for, wept over and given assurance, but never given the incentive to come clean with God in repentance. Rather they mimic the Churches who comfort them, with the ‘born in sin, saved in sin and never free from the bondage of sin, fallacies based on a phony Substitution and magic moral transfer of Christ’s Virtue. Anyone enlightened to these lies and has attempted to minister the true Gospel of Repentance in these Missions knows without a doubt what I’m talking about. Everyone you encounter has been ‘saved already ten times over and has every excuse in the world why they’re forgiven in their sins. You will wear out your welcome very quickly among them if you press the imperative of coming clean with God before His mercy can be dispensed.
Even out on the streets as an independent witness, crying out the message of Repentance proven by deeds you will be overwhelmed with people ‘saved in their sins and flaunting them proudly with every excuse in the book. Most of them have never heard the Whole Counsel of God and will call you an evil monster for beseeching them to TURN from their sins or suffer the consequences. But if you give them some green backs and a sympatric prayer they will elevate you to Sainthood. Could it be any more obvious than this? It’s pointless to console yourself in charitable deeds unless you’re willing to Contend earnestly for the faith against the mountain of lie keeping these people in bondage to their sins! Certainly it ‘feels good’ to help people (especially sick and hurting children) and it’s commendable in the sight of man, with praises heaped on such sacrificial service devoted to the greater good of mankind, but to what PURPOSE is it in light of eternity if the people you’re trying to help perish in their sins? If the ‘ministering is all that matters then you need to understand that God will hold you accountable for the blood of each one you failed to warn that sin would be their undoing. (Acts20:26-27)
If Good Works could be done without regard to Sound Teaching why the dire warning that people can give themselves to be burned totally without purpose, (1Cor13:1) many die in His Name to no avail. You can give your life to sacrificial service, even become the next Gandhi or Mother Teresa, but end up in ruin. Five out of the Seven Churches addressed by Christ in Rev1-3, were abundant in ‘works and service but wholly involved in the depths of Satan, cold, dead and lukewarm. Would any of these ‘Charitable ministries today take it to heart if the LORD Himself sent a messenger to Warn them of their impending doom? NO, they would shoot the messenger! The Truth is toxic in their midst, as the Lord told Ezekiel ‘They will not listen to you, because they WILL NOT listen to ME! Ezk3:7 But they are highly praised among men and receive the accolades as their reward. So those of us on the outside of this mess, looking in and seeing all the unrestrained iniquity, crying out for them to Come Clean with God in Repentance Proven by Deeds are the angry finger pointing, evil Judges considered intolerant unloving and uncaring of their real needs; despised by the ‘Churches (missions) and hated in general society.
But the ‘Love of Christ constrains us and we can not hold it in when we see through ‘spiritual’ eyes the REAL NEED of mankind is to FIRST and foremost be DELIEVERED from their Bondage to Sin, SET FREE in Christ to sin no more and bring further misery on themselves and others, thereby bringing a genuine ‘healing to their minds and souls, instead putting forth more futile efforts to placate their reprobated condition. THAT’S the True PURPOSE of the GOSPEL! That’s what happened in the Book of Acts during Apostolic times. (Acts15:9, 17:30-31, 26:18-21) Unless this is done at the beginning all labor for the Lord is in VAIN and the ‘Mighty works done in His Name is a work of iniquity. I know your Works!
I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. Nevertheless I have a few things against you, Rev2”19-20
The Church of Thyatira excelled in every area of ‘works, love, service and faith, but were immersed in adultery, fornications, uncleanness and all manner of filthy behavior. The present day Churches call this SOP (standard operating producer) and glory in the depths of Satan, claiming the blessing of God. They have a ‘name for being alive but are dead to God (Rev3:1-2) their works are defiled by the sinful indulgence of the flesh. Most of professing Christendom is ‘rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing, but in reality ‘wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked before God! (Rev3:17) They have no idea whatsoever that He has ALREADY spewed them out of His mouth in disgust. Isaiah the Prophet said it best:
Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, That it cannot save; Nor His ear heavy, That it cannot hear. But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, So that He will not hear. For your hands are defiled with blood, And your fingers with iniquity; Your lips have spoken lies, Your tongue has muttered perversity. No one calls for justice, Nor does any plead for truth. They trust in empty words and speak lies; They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity. They hatch vipers’ eggs and weave the spider’s web; He who eats of their eggs dies, And from that which is crushed a viper breaks Isa59:1-5
They are Cut off from the Lord, in Great Darkness, but ‘believe He is on their side and approves of their works. They cannot hear His warnings or see His face, their ‘fingers are too busy producing iniquity and their lips engaged in ‘speaking lies. No one among them calls for Justice or pleads for truth; their words are empty and full of ‘venom so all who trusts in them dies. Their own ‘works are a testimony against them. It’s the aroma of death, not life in the eyes of God. People receive ‘charity but not Truth, they remain in bondage to their addictions and never seek to escape. The Missions, recue centers and out-reach programs do NOTHING to ‘relive the ‘Corrupting influence of sin eating away at their souls. People will donate their time and money to the endless list of charities ‘working to accommodate the down trodden, but they never give a second thought to the sordid condition of our society in slavery to sin. It feels good to care and that’s what expresses the heart of God as tolerance toward sin. (or so they think)
The Bible says that the ‘devil comes to ‘steal, kill and destroy (Jh10:10) but Christ came to ‘DESTROY the works of the devil! (1John3:8) But because the god of this age (the devil) has succeeded in ‘blinding the eyes of the massive religious establishment to the Truth, the true Power of the Cross (to redeem man from the corrupting influence of sin) has been rendered almost ineffective. In its place is an IMAGE of Christ as the all encompassing charitable Savior who’s ready to forgive the world ‘unconditionally, and wink at their on going sins. In this the devil wins and keeps them as his captives to the slavery of sin. Such has been the case for generations as deluded ‘Christian Philanthropists build missions, outreaches, hospitals, churches, universities and a myriad of other charities for the well being of their fellow man.
As commendable as this is, it remains ‘Dead Works in the eyes of God because there is no accompaniment of Truth or attempts made to bring people out of their bondage to sin. God declared long ago that His Messengers are sent to TURN people from their evil ways and the evil of their doings! (Jer23:21-22) Without a doubt the Church ministries are doing the EXACT Opposite and stand accused of the SAME failures recorded in the first three chapters of Revelation. And if they ‘fail to take heed and amend their ways the same Judgments will apply. Remember in every parable Jesus gave about working for His Kingdom the one thing that separated the ‘sheep from the goats was what the one DID and the other DID NOT. In the final Judgment it’s the ‘workers of iniquity who hear those awful words; ‘I Never Knew you, depart from me’ All of your ‘Works are indeed ‘filthy rags (as you proclaim) but its not because you were born with some inbred malady of sin, it’s because you freely CHOOSE to Serve Sin as your Master instead of Christ as your Redeemer.
God so Loved the World!
But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 1Tim5:8
For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread 1Thes3:10-12
Our efforts to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the world today are filled with many pit falls and deceptions at every turn. FEW understand the imperative of Repentance Proven by Deeds and the necessity to reason with people form the Premise of Righteousness, Self-Control and the Judgment to Come. (Acts24:25) Rather most of them Promise the sinners Liberty while they remain Salves to their corruption. (2Pet3:18) The reasons behind this are numerous, but mainly based on their ‘distorted version of the Gospel as a ‘Love Message that ‘sympathizes with man’s ‘sinfulness as a malady instead of a ‘Transgression of God’s law. Therefore the Conviction of ‘Sin, Righteousness and Judgment meant to bring a person to Repentance and Clearing of wrong doing has been replaced with the assurance that ‘God loves you and has a wonderful plan for your life, so ‘repeat after me and trust it will be done. Consequently sinners no longer ‘fear God’s Judgment nor do they TURN from their Sins. (Acts3:19, 26)
The Bible teaches that God’s Love was ‘Demonstrated to the world in that ‘while we were yet in our sins, Christ died for the ungodly. (Rom5:8) BUT the message taken to Sinners was: ‘Repentance toward God and Faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ’ Acts20:21, NOT God’s loves you and sent His Son die in your place. Sinners were ‘cut to heart (Acts3:37) when they heard this message because it was made clear to them that they had participated in Christ’s death in their sinful neglect of God’s out-stretched arm (Isa59:1, 65:2) calling them to repentance. Christ’s sufferings were a dreadful reminder of the awesome price that had to be paid to purchase their souls from the Corruption of sin! (Acts20:28, 1Pet1:18-19) It was the shame and guilt of their sin that drove them to their knees in self-cleansing humility crying out for His Mercy!
The early Saints gathered in tight nit assemblies throughout the land, often times in secret because the Roman’s hunted them down as criminals. As a result they had to support one another materially and financially, they held all things in common (like a ‘commune) but they were not without difficulties administering this type of arrangement. We find in Paul’s Epistle to Brother Timothy that certain people were coming in among them and taking advantage of their charity; refusing to work or provide their families. Although the early Saints didn’t have to deal with a multitude of false teachers telling people they were ‘born defective and couldn’t help being addicted to their self-indulgences, they were still subjected to the same ‘mentality. The BIG difference between then and now is THEY wouldn’t tolerate it!
We don’t see them opening ‘Soup kitchens or Mission outreaches in the cities (in Acts) or giving money away to people not willing to contribute something to the ‘Christian community. But we do see them preaching Repentance everywhere they went. Their Message was ‘FLEE this wicked and perverse generation! (Acts2:40) NOT God loves you and feels sorry that you’re a helpless sinner addicted to your vile habits. If they prayed it was that God would Open their eyes and TURN them from darkness to Light from the Power of Satan to God …. Through Repentance and faith PROVEN by Deeds! Acts26:18-21. God couldn’t ‘repent for them or magically ‘Change their desires from evil to good. BUT He could offer them an opportunity to be Reconciled if they would Obey His Word. (2Cor5:22)
God’s love for mankind has ALREADY been ‘demonstrated in Christ. He showed Mercy to those who came to Him in the humble sincerity of repentance with their hearts emptied of guile, but He severely rebuked the obstinate who refused to forsake their sins. He could read men’s hearts, there was no hidden motives or deceits concealed from His eyes. We do not have that advantage so we must tell them all to Repent.
We can never ‘assume they are sincere merely by what they say or their shed tears asking for our prayers, we can ONLY SEE their ‘Fruits and KNOW that the tree is either ‘good or bad. (Matt12:33) Today we face a generation hardened to the core against God’s Word, ‘Saved a hundred times over in the Churches and Missions, TOLD 24/7 they can’t help what they are and pampered in their sins by Pulpit Parrots who Promise them Peace, peace when there is NO PEACE! (Jer6:14-15) When we (who are awakened) go out to minister the Gospel we must not give them further confidence they’re in right standing with God. It has to be made CRYSTAL CLEAR in our Words and actions that God Commands them to REPENT! Instead of feeling sorry for their misery (which is our natural human tendency to empathize with the down and out) give them the ONLY hope they have for Redemption and Deliverance from their bondage! Tell them: Therefore submit to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep! Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up. Js4:7-10
In this God’s Love is truly expressed for mankind, because He’s not willing any perish but that they come to Repentance. (2Pet3:9) Those with a sincere and honest heart will respond and KNOW that you love them enough to tell them the Truth! Many looking for another hand-out or something to sooth their conscience will call you hatful and depart in a huff, headed back to the local mission where the Preacher will assure them all’s well. Your hands are innocent of their blood, you gave them the WHOLE Council of God (Acts20:26-27) not further comfort in their sins. You can Pray they come to their senses and weep when they don’t, but don’t partake in the sins of those Transgressing the Doctrine of Christ, who miss-represent His Message as ‘sympathy instead of Repent or Perish.
The HUGE difference between the modern day concept of ‘Christian charity and what is depicted in the New Testament is they went about helping the poor, the widows and the orphans who were in a state of poverty that was NOT of their own doing. They had their goods plundered, their homes taken and were thrust into the streets by a tyrannical government, NOT because they were drunks, perverts and general reprobates who had no desire to fend for themselves or improve their situation by coming clean with God.
Their only hope was the charity of their fellow man so the ‘Christians offered them a helping hand when they were able to do so. Today we have an entire societal structure sponsoring the reprobation. We have people sinning themselves into a state of ruin by CHOICE and then turning to the System for ‘support of their vile habits. In the phony Churches (missions, outreaches) they get the free hand-outs and another pat on the back that God loves them and a prayer He will ‘take away the awful addictions ruining their lives. From society they receive the ‘transfer of wealth taken from the ‘Working class to facilitate a life-time of care in the Welfare State. It’s a never ending cycle of degradation that we are reaping the fruits of it right now, AND the counterfeit ‘Love Gospel is to BLAME!
I realize ‘charitable acts ‘feel good to the soul and showing ‘compassion to others is a natural inclination of our humanity expressing Christ. But would it be so ‘evil to admonish these people to ‘work with their hands and contribute something to the community in actually ‘helping others? (1Thes4:11) Would it be ‘hatful to ‘rebuke those who persist in their sin that others may fear? (1Tim5:20) The very reason there’s no ‘fear is the coddling of the drunks, perverts and reprobates mooching off the Missions who are AFRAID to ‘Count the cost and tell them the Truth; rather they tell them they’re SAVED in their sins! This is Criminal negligence of the highest degree!!
Therefore knowing these things before hand what should our course of action be? We certainly dare not partake of their ‘false Doctrines, shutting the Kingdom against men, but we’re compelled to enter the arena and Contend for the Truth. In our Mission (to the lost and deceived) we must stand aloof from any ‘suggestion of error. We cannot go Sowing among thorns (Jer12:13) and expect God to give increase when the ‘fallow ground has Never been broken up in Repentance. As the Prophets have said:
Hearing you will hear and shall not understand, And seeing you will see and not perceive;
For the hearts of this people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, And their eyes they have closed, Lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, Lest they should understand with their hearts and turn, So that I should heal them Isa6:14-15