True Grace
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, ...to preach deliverance to the captives
Luke 4:18
Servants ye are to whom ye obey;
whether of sin unto death,
or of obedience unto righteousness.
Rom 6:16
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We all agree Jesus forgives us for our past sins, but did Jesus come so that we can continue to sin without guilt, or did he come to destroy our sin? Did Jesus come to set the captives free from guilt, or did he come to set us free from the bondage of sin? Did Jesus come so that we can continue to sin without guilt, or did he come to lead us to repentance and remission of sin? If knowing the truth will set you free, from what are we supposed to be set free - guilt or sin?
If you think Jesus came so that we can continue to sin without guilt, that makes Jesus the promoter of sin: doesn't removal of guilt makes sin easier for all, allowing us to sin more; so Jesus came so we can sin more, so Jesus came to promote sin? Doesn't this makes Jesus evil? Could the devil make sin any easier than the guilt-free ease of sin this false doctrine attributes to Jesus? This is a major deception. Jesus said, I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. John 8:34. If we are a slave to sin, he can't be our Lord. You are the slaves of him whom you obey, whether that be to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness. Rom 6:16. What about repentance? His message was: unless you repent, you too will all perish. Luke 13:3. Certainly our sins are forgiven us while we seek to become free of sin, but we had better be sure we are repenting to work out our salvation that leads to purification and the rest, otherwise we will fall short of the mark.
Let us therefore fear, lest, a promise being left us of entering into his rest,
any of you should seem to come short of it. Heb 4:1.
Let it not be said of you:
This is the rest by which you may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. Isa 28:12
For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness.1 Thes 4:7
You can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person..has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God's wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Eph 5:5-6
Grace is the unmerited favor of God, God's love, therefore a gift. A gift is free, grace is free. Grace has been given to all men by the Spirit of God being poured out on all men and women, since Pentecost, 2000 years ago. By grace, we are allowed to access the power of God to become righteous, whatever our sins of the past and our current problems. This righteousness from God comes [but not instantly] through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. Rom 3:22-24. Eventually, but only after work of repentance energized by faith, we can all become righteous and become justified freely by grace; for we are not deserving of the help to change we get in the process of repentance - to the contrary, our unworthiness is only highlighted by grace's revealing of our sinful nature to us.
What Jesus made possible is: however deeply you have been immersed in sin, by faith in the name of Jesus, you have access through his imputed righteousness to the changing power of God to become pure, providing you are motivated to seeking his teaching and changing grace. So everyone, through their faith in name of Jesus, can approach the throne; and through patient and persistent obedience to his spoken-to-you teachings and commands, (repentance), be changed by grace, to eventually be purified and become righteous. Just as Abraham had to be physically circumcised, we must have our hearts circumcised to be pleasing to God. As Abraham exercised his faith to leave his home for a new land - so we must loose our fleshly life and forsake the world to enter God's Kingdom. This web page shows how.
Grace does not make us instantly righteous, for we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. Gal. 5:5
Paul said : you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, OR to obedience, which leads to righteousness. Rom 6:16
Peter said: whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. Acts 10:35
Jesus said, as a first priority in our life, we must seek (aim at, strive after) the Kingdom and His righteousness. Mat 6:33
For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful;
but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11
So we do not become instantly righteous when we say we have faith in Jesus.
We have to seek (strive after), be disciplined, obey God, work, and wait for the hope of righteousness.
The Lord has said to me: "Where there is obedience, there is righteousness; without it, you have World War II."
Even Adolph Hitler said Jesus was his Lord and Savior. - a sinner saved by grace???? No! No! No! Sin has to go!
Per Paul: Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 1 Cor 15:34
Paul is speaking to members of the church at Corinth, people who named themselves Christians - they believed in Jesus!
The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17
No one of reasonable intelligence would argue that quietness and confidence forever, (peace), is instant.
Peacemakers who sow in peace, raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:16-18
And grace does not make us instantly justified, for we seek to be justified in Christ. Gal. 2:17
It is through God's unmerited favor, grace, that we receive help in purification through repentance, which over time can result in righteousness and salvation. We approach God through faith in Christ, allowing us access to his unmerited favor, grace, to rid us of our darkness to a sinless state. True grace teaches us what to deny (repent from) and how to live, and by true grace Jesus purifies us from our lusts and affections for the pleasures of the world. Titus 2:11-14. And we seek this help from God expecting to receive it, not based on anything we have done to deserve it, but only by our faith in the name of Jesus Christ. We don't even know from what to repent, until grace shows us and teaches us.
Repentance is a humbling experience, certainly not one to claim any merit for ourselves. It is like having a disease that requires a doctor to perform surgery. If we get the surgery, we can take no pride in that. The doctor did the work. It is like that with God, except the doctor charges, and God doesn't - it is freely given by grace. 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. Do we take pride in going humbly to God as a sinner, and asking for his help? Of course not. To ask for help is the opposite of pride.
So there is no boasting in repentance through the teachings and changings of grace; there is no boasting in being shown our deplorable condition of sin, while striving to be different in conduct with help from God. Grace will humble us to nothingness. No. The loudest boasting in "christiandom" is from the "saved sinners," boasting that the false gospel of grace gives them favor with God, a special place in heaven, and a license to sin. They are hypocrites, a stumbling block, and they scatter the true sheep from Christ. A hypocrite talks about being religious, while walking in sin. Jesus addressed the hypocrites: You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. Luk 16:15. Your hearts have to be cleansed - really cleansed to purity.
This was John the Baptist's simple message of the beginning of repentance, to get ready for Jesus and the Kingdom:
Repent: think differently; change your mind, regretting your sins and changing your conduct. Matt 3:2
Share from your excess with those who are without the necessities of life.
Be honest in all your dealings, never exaggerating or overreaching anyone.
Don't oppress people or frighten anyone, don't lie, don't want more, don't complain. Luke 3:10-14
Just following these guidelines, tax collectors and prostitutes were already entering the Kingdom of Heaven when Jesus arrived.
This site shows you how to access the grace of God to be freed from sin by repentance to truth and purity. If you want to skip the scriptures that invalidate instant salvation and read how true grace, over time with repentance, can free you from all sin, click here.
The false gospel of grace further incorrectly teaches that since grace is free, that if we do anything, even repentance or taking up our cross, we have lost our salvation by faith and grace because we are forsaking our faith and attempting to be justified by works, thereby falling to be subject to the Law. That is a ridiculous rationalization by slothful, blind guides to do nothing - leading us into the ditch of spiritual captivity, while collecting our money, which Jesus and Peter forbid, ( 1 Pet 5:2, Mat 10:8). Of course we cannot be saved by works alone, but our faith must be evidenced by far more than a claim we are saved by faith, doing nothing but claiming of "being saved by grace because the Bible tells me so," (using a tiny few selective verses twisted out of context to make their false claim). Of course we are saved by grace, but after repentance and after carrying our cross in faith for a time - works through faith.
James said, "faith without works is dead." James 2:17
James further said, " You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only." James 2:24
Paul said, "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Philippians 2:12
Again Paul said, the purpose of grace, results in a people zealous for good works. Titus 2:14
Peter said: whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. Acts 10:35
Paul again: I declared.. that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:20
Jesus said, unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:3. Repentance requires effort on your part.
And, As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Rev 3:19 (Zealous is -ardent desire, enthusiastic).
Jesus further said, Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. Mat 11:29
Jesus said, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23
Jesus said, I have not found thy works perfect before God. Rev 3:2-3. He wants perfect works, energized by faith.
Hear! Jesus said: Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke 13:24
The gospel of grace would have you believe striving is unnecessary, yet Jesus ordered us to strive, (to exert much effort or energy).
Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded,
nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;
That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate. 1 Tim 6:17-18
If you live in a propserous industrialized nation, you are rich relative to the rest of the word. So be rich in good works.
The workings of grace to teach us how to live are a process, which is not instant; the process produces purity, righteousness, and the fruit of the Spirit. The cross is obedience to work; and to those who oppose it, they are headed for destruction, for their god is their belly [their lusts and affections for the world] , and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. Phil 3:18-19. For the world would have a Christ to excuse them, at no cost, to continue to live in their passions and pleasures; but those, who are committed to truth, would have a Christ to change them to live pleasing to God, whatever the price.
This false gospel's fallacy is claiming that grace and salvation are the same. Instead, grace brings salvation over time and with repentance . This fallacy allows them to twist the gospel of repentance with forgiveness of sins, to be forgiveness of sins only, leaving out repentance, which leaves us stuck in our ungodly, sinful nature without salvation. You cannot continue to be a slave to sin and serve God, or even expect his approval. Rom 8:8
Jesus said, I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. John 8:34
Jesus said, If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out. And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell. And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell. Mark 9:43-47. He doesn't want us to maim ourselves. He is only illustrating how serious sin is. Jesus is desperately trying to tell us that to enter the Kingdom and escape hell, sin is not allowed, period. He knew false prophets with false gospels promising freedom to continue to sin would arise after he left. Changes in our heart through the missing cross to purity can take away the desire of the hand, foot, and eye to cause us to sin.
Everyone talks about how Jesus is so forgiving; true, but after forgiveness he says, sin no more:
To the adulteress: I do not condemn you either. Go on your way and from now on sin no more. John 8:11
To one healed: Behold, you are made whole: sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto you . John 5:14
Jesus came so he could destroy the devil and his works [sin] in us.
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, [manifested in us] that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8
What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Rom 6:15
Per Paul, true grace is not salvation, but instead brings salvation. Grace is defined defined in his letter to Titus:
For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men,
teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts,
we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world,
looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ;
who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity,
and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. Titus 2:11-14
One who still sins might mistakenly argue they are redeemed from all iniquity, but not that grace has purified them!
Grace only brings salvation; it leads to salvation, attained by essential actions of repentance.
Repentance is sorrow about your condition, changing your mind to be different, and then conducting yourself differently.
Grace brings salvation by teaching us what to deny, leading us to repent. By grace, we are shown our sin.
We repent by denying ungodliness and lusts, to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.
We seek righteousness to please Him and in the blessed hope of the glorious appearing of God and Jesus with the Kingdom.
So by grace we see a problem in our heart. We repent. Then by grace, we get strength to be different - the cleansing of our heart.
By this process, we are redeemed from all iniquity and purified by Jesus to become enthusiastic workers of good.
Grace is unmerited and free, salvation is not free. Salvation and the Kingdom of Heaven's price is sacrifice of self, the death of your sinful nature.
Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. Rom 12:1
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. Psa 51:17
For if we be dead with him, we shall also live with him: If we suffer, we shall also reign with him. 2 Timothy 2:11-12
So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsake not all that he has, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:33
He that finds his life shall lose it, and he that loses his life for my sake shall find it. Matthew 10:39
And whosoever does not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. Luke 14:27
So kill (deaden, deprive of power) the evil desire lurking in your members: sexual vice, impurity, sensual appetites, unholy desires, and all greed and covetousness, for that is idolatry, (the deifying of self and other created things instead of God). Col 3:5
Those who belong to Christ Jesus
have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Gal 5:24
But now since you have been set free from sin and have become the slaves of God,
you have your present reward in holiness and its end is eternal life. Rom 6:22
Grace has been twisted into lies from a teaching of repentance, leading to purity, to be a license for immorality and continuing in our sinful natures with no repentance required. This perversion began 2000 years ago in the early church; Jude wrote in 1:4:
For certain men, whose condemnation was written about long ago, have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.
These men were false Christians, who had slipped unnnoticed among the true Christians, preaching freedom to sin through grace by faith in Jesus, but denying Christ to rule their words and actions as their sovereign and Lord, as he did with the real Christians of that time. The false gospel of grace was being sold as salvation 2000 years ago; unfortunately false instant salvation, has become universal, all sects being deficit sects.
Peter even warned us to be careful with Paul's letters, the false gospel's source, (which was Romans, see below), that they were easily misunderstood:
even as our beloved brother Paul also, according to the wisdom given unto him, hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which some things are hard understand, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.
Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness. 2 Peter 3:15-17. (If you only partially read Romans, you can easily misunderstand grace, thinking you need do nothing but have faith in Jesus; but if you look at the whole letter, as it was intended to be read, you know you have to kill your sinful nature to be pleasing to God. Look at Paul's Romans 8:8, Romans 8:13, Phil 2:12, Galatians 5:19-24, 2 Cor 7:1,1 Thes 4:7, 1 Cor 15:34, and I declared.. that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:20 if you have any doubt.)
and Peter later described such men again:
This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority, [such as the Apostles who tried to correct them]. 2 Peter 2:10
....11 left out
They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast [hearing the Word spoken in fellowship] with you. With eyes full of adultery, [lovers of money instead of God] they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed—an accursed brood! They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness, [they preached for money, which Peter prohibited]. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey—a beast without speech—who spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness. [Fox said his era's ministers' spiritual progress were less than Balaam's ass because the ass spoke the Word of the Lord, but the ministers could not even hear the Lord's voice, much less speak the Word of the Lord; they could only quote the Bible; exactly like the ministers today.]
These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them. For they mouth empty, boastful words and, by appealing to the lustful desires of sinful human nature, they entice people who are just escaping from those [lustful desires of sinful nature] who live in error. They promise them freedom, while they themselves are slaves of depravity—for a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him. 2 Peter 2:12-19 (And Jesus said, I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin. John 8:34)
and Paul also spoke of false Christians who opposed the crucifixion of the sinful nature:
Brethren, join in following my example, and note those who so walk, as you have us for a pattern. For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. Phil 3:17-19
For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die;
but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live. Romans 8:13
As long as we live in our sinful nature, we are unruly and incapable of being ruled, controlled, or led by a Lord or King.
So, if you want Jesus to be your Lord and King, you must put to death your selfish, sinful nature by repentance to purity.
The Amplified Bible expands the wording:
For if you live according to the flesh, you will surely die. But if through the power of the Spirit you are putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the deeds prompted by the body, you shall live forever. Because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. Rom 8:13-14
To be Spirit Led is the first (of two) tests of assurance of future salvation to come.
To call or confess Jesus is Lord is not enough.
Even the demons called Jesus 'Son of the Most High God,' falling down at his feet, begging him to have mercy. Luke 8:28 4:41 Mark 5:7 3:11 Mat 8:29
To say you have faith in Jesus is not enough.
Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say,
“You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble! James 2:17-19
Whatever you have been taught: Your covenant with death will be annulled, and your agreement with hell will not stand. Isa 28:18
You are the slaves of him whom you obey, whether that be to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience which leads to righteousness. Rom 6:16.
If we are a slave to sin, he can't be our Lord. You cannot serve two masters. Mat 16:24 Luke 16:13
We are incapable of being controlled or ruled until our sinful nature is destroyed, at least enough to be Spirit led. Rom 8:13-14
and, Paul says, let's get on with the job of putting to death the sinful nature with its filthiness - on to perfecting holiness.
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved,
let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit,
perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
No instant salvation here. This is repentance that leads to perfect holiness! Jesus wants to make us like Him, holy in this life.
Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did. 1 John 2:6
Follow peace with all men and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. Heb 12:14
Jesus said: He that overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be my son." Rev. 21:7
And John said, "I have written unto you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one." 1 John 2:14. Being strong and overcoming of the devil takes effort and is not instant.
For the Lord corrects and disciplines everyone whom He loves, and He punishes, even scourges, every son whom He accepts and welcomes to His heart and cherishes...You must submit to and endure [correction] for discipline; God is dealing with you as with sons. For what son is there whom his father does not [thus] train and correct and discipline.Now if you are exempt from correction and left without discipline in which all [of God's children] share, then you are illegitimate offspring and not true sons. Hebrews12:6-8
To be disciplined and scourged by God is the 2nd assurance of future salvation to come.
For the time being no discipline brings joy, but seems grievous and painful; but afterwards it yields a peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11
In 1 Peter 1:5-7 he says: [you] "who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed." No instant salvation here - griefs and trials and salvation that is revealed in the last time; as Jesus returns - the revelation of Jesus Christ - the Kingdom - his return. Salvation's completion and entering the Kingdom of Heaven coincide in time.
For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to him in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator. 1 Peter 4:17-19. Scarcely saved and suffering don't sound like instant righteousness or salvation.
But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation. 1 Thes 5:8. Even those who already have the gift of love are to hope for salvation! Does this sound like instant salvation? From Peter we know that love is the last step in the process of Christian growth:
For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness;
and to goodness knowledge,
and to knowledge, self-control;
and to self-control, perseverance;
and to perseverance, godliness;
and to godliness, brotherly kindness;
and to brotherly kindness, love. 2 Peter 1:5-7
Paul is saying salvation comes after the gift of love which is the last step in Christian growth according to Peter. No instant righteousness or salvation here. Lots of Christian growth is necessary before salvation! Make every effort sounds like work to me!
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. Mat 11:29
Oxen were yoked to pull a wagon - work; sounds like work, not instant salvation.
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found thy works perfect before God. Remember therefore how thou hast received and heard, and hold fast, and repent. Rev. 3:2-3. Jesus expects works, perfect works! This should end any 'works' arguments. Jesus not only want works, he want the works to be perfect!
Every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Matt 3:10
When you bear (produce) much fruit, My Father is honored and glorified,
and you show and prove yourselves to be true followers of Mine. John 15:8
The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Gal 5:22-3
He has defined the acid test of a true believer, a true follower of Christ, to produce fruit, and much fruit!
Fruit is the product of repentance. John the Baptist said, Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. Mat 3:8
Woe to the inhabitants of the earth, who stand forth without repentance! (from the Lord 10/25/06)
We can't have it both ways. False, instant grace/salvation does nothing and receives nothing. (from above) :
No holiness - without holiness, no man will see the Lord, no salvation.
No scourging from God, no correction - you are illegitimate offspring and not true sons, no salvation.
No suffering and griefs in all kinds of trials, (tribulation) - no salvation, no Kingdom.
No overcoming the devil and sin, you are still a servant of sin living in the flesh - no salvation, no Kingdom.
No putting to death the misdeeds deeds of the body, not living forever as a Son of God - no salvation, no Kingdom.
No presenting your bodies as a living sacrifice to God - no salvation, no Kingdom.
No working out your salvation with fear and trembling, no salvation, no Kingdom.
No denying yourself, and picking up you cross daily, no being Christ's disciple - no salvation, no Kingdom.
No Taking his yoke and learning - no rest, no peace, no salvation, no Kingdom.
No perfect works, remember the commands you have heard and repent or - no salvation, no Kingdom.
No fruit of the Holy Spirit -not a true follower, no salvation, no Kingdom.
Grace works to salvation; grace is not salvation.
But all of these things are possible and even promised by God,
if we seek God's grace and help through repentance.
He is extraordinarily patient toward you, not desiring that any should perish, but that all should turn to repentance. 2 Peter 3:9
Francis Howgill, a martyred minister of Christ, states the same:
Many have been talkers of grace in this professing age, who have neither known of what they spoke, nor have informed the minds of men where grace was to be waited for, nor how grace might be known, nor how, nor what the operation of grace was; but have cried up, in their own imaginations: "We are justified by His free grace from all sin, past, present, and to come;" and, in this conceit, thousands have been led into the pit of darkness; imagining that they were justified by the free grace of Christ, while they were out of the fear of God, which it would have taught them; and while they heeded not this grace, but got into conceit, carelessness, and presumption; and so pretended justification while they were the servants of sin and bond-slaves to corruption - that is, all of you who have been preaching free grace in words.
Your covenant with death will be annulled,
and your agreement with hell will not stand.
Isa 28:18
Paul says: If, while we seek to be justified in Christ, it becomes evident that we ourselves are sinners, does that mean that Christ promotes sin? Absolutely not! Gal 2:17. So Christ did not come so we could sin guilt free, and we must seek to be justified in Christ.
When we believe in the "false gospel of grace with nothing required of us," all the scriptures about repentance, putting to death self, seeking, listening, obeying commands, getting a new heart and mind, purity, perfection, losing your life to save your life, being without sin, holiness, and living soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, have to be ignored; or we have assume that we are pure and perfect, which is make-believe and hypocrisy in its worst form.
Paul says, "if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live." We can't put to death the deeds of the body to purity by ourselves, no matter how hard we try. How do we learn to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world? How do we cleanse ourselves and prepare to receive the glorious Christ and his Kingdom in our hearts.? We need help. We need God to help us, and there is nothing we can do to deserve this help. We need the unmerited favor of God, grace.
The method is to go to God yourself because everyone has his Spirit within them by grace. You have no need of any teacher but the anointing within you. You sit quietly and whenever you think, you think on the name of Jesus. This is how we learn from Him, get cleansed by Him, be led by Him, and come to know Him. He said: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." He is the Light, he is the Word, and he has sent us the Spirit of Truth to teach us. If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Rev. 3:20. Eventually you will hear Him. He has a soft voice; that is why it is written, "Be still and know that I am God." He will tell us things about Himself. He will encourage us. He is kindness. He will tell or show us things about ourselves; some will be things that are ugly. Christ the Light will show us all the hidden lusts, affections, and pride in our heart. But since he is our friend, we know that he is showing them to us for our own good. So we listen and watch. And we don't run, we stand before the Son of Man. And we repent of what he shows us. And sometimes he gives us commands. We are hearing the Word of God, the living Word. As we hear the Word of God, (Jesus speaking through the Spirit) our faith will increase by leaps and bounds; and keep increasing - if we obey his commands heard and show him we love him by being obedient. Christ in you, the hope of glory. Col 1:27
For everyone who comes to Me and listens to My words and does them, I will show you what he is like: He is like a man building a house, who dug and went down deep and laid a foundation upon the rock; and when a flood arose, the torrent broke against that house and could not shake or move it, because it had been securely built or founded on a rock. Luke 6:47-48
He can't make it any plainer! He said: come to me, listen to My words (not the Bible), and do them.
To do them, is to obey; and when you obey them, you have received Christ by recognition and obedience.
From this sure foundation he builds true faith and hope which purifies you.
If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. John 14:22-23
These above two teachings of Jesus are the core message of this web site:
1) Come to him, Listen to his words, do the words he gives you - obey his commands.
2) If you Love Jesus, you will obey him. The Father then loves you, and he and Jesus come to you and make their home with you;
and their home is the Kingdom of God within you.
For unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation. Heb 9:28
Write what you hear down is a notebook; review your commands periodically so you don't forget one, and keep repenting. Rev 3:2-3
Jesus said, Stop toiling and doing and producing for the food that perishes and decomposes,
but strive and work and produce rather for the food which endures unto life eternal. John 6:27
His words that you hear and obey are the Bread from Heaven, spiritual food that leads to life.
The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life. John 6:63
This is how to obtain the Kingdom of God while on earth! He, with his Kingdom to give you Awaits You to Come!
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:32
So, seek, listen, obey...Seek, listen, obey... Keep doing this, and Christ will lead you through repentance purity, truth and the Kingdom.
He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek him! Heb.11:6
(Diligence is defined as continually attending to and striving to achieve a goal; laborious; persevering.)
Jesus said, Therefore consider carefully how you listen. Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he thinks he has will be taken from him. Luke 8:18
Jesus said, My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. John 10:27
At judgment, Jesus said he would reject many who called him Lord and had even performed miracles in his name
by telling them plainly: 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers! Mat 7:21-23
Jesus answered them, 'Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin.' John 8:34
But, if we listen to him, obey him, abide in him, and are purified by him; we don't sin and he knows us.
The foolish virgins without oil in their lamps, said: Lord, Lord, open to us. (without abiding in Him, his Light and Word)
Jesus replied: Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Without abiding in Him, he doesn't know us.
John says: we are coming to know Him: if we keep (bear in mind, observe, practice) His teachings (precepts, commandments).
The only way you can keep his commands is to listen to his voice, hear, and obey - until you have crucified the sinful
nature within you. For you cannot love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength, until you have been given a new heart and mind by the love of God, received from Him over time, as you abide in his Word and Light, with obedience.
If you abide in My word, you are truly My disciples. You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. John 8:31-32
So if the Son liberates you, then you are really and unquestionably free. John 8:36
Jesus came so he could destroy the devil and his works [sin] in us.
For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, [manifested in us] that he might destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8
Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice. John 18:37
Sitting, thinking on the name of Jesus and waiting quietly on the Lord to speak to us, by his living Word, or reveal to us, by his Light, what is in our heart is not what our flesh wants to do. Instead of sitting quietly each day waiting on the Lord, our flesh wants to sleep, or worry, or plan our day, or think about something, or do something, - anything. Our mind will race through many subjects in desperation to save itself, (he who loses his life, finds it). The following is the missing cross of Christ:
seeking the Kingdom of God, as your life's first priority, is an act of repentance - a cross to your selfish will
turning away from evil, as you understand it, is an act of repentance - a cross to your selfish will
you don't want to sit quietly every day to listen and watch, but you repent and do - a cross to your selfish will
if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Rev. 3:20
you don't want to obey his commands that you hear, but if you repent- it is a cross to your selfish will
you don't want to forgive injustices done to you, but you repent and forgive - a cross to your angry self
you don't want to admit and regret what the Light shows your condition to be, but if you repent - it is a cross to your will
(this is the place where you get changed, where your peace increases; in the Light)
you don't want to give to others from your excess, but if you repent from your selfishness and give- it is a cross to your will
you don't want to defer (deny self) to others, rather than insist on your way, but if you repent and defer - it is a cross to your will
This is the Inward Cross of Self-Denial
If any will come after me, let him deny himself,
and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23
The cross (denying yourself) must be taken up daily to succeed; the cross that is the power of God to you, and the cross that is foolishness to others. The cross is the power of God. Belief in the true gospel is the power of God.
For more understanding on the necessity of learning in silence,
see George Fox's outstanding writing on Why Silence? (also on the side bar)
See How to Benefit from the Changing Power of God for more. (also on the side bar)
Read the Bible to keep you hopes high, (Psalms, John, Peter); but while reading the Bible, don't expect to hear.
Remember what Christ said about the Bible teachers and students in his day:
You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me.
But you are not willing to come to me that you may have life. John 5:39-40
Read some of George Fox's writings in this site. And don't forget to give, especially to the poor. Defer. Be kind.
Keep doing this on a daily basis, and you are "putting to death (making extinct, deadening) the deeds prompted by the body." You will change, maybe not as fast as you want to, but you will change. You will get less angry. You will have less desire for things. You will want to spend more time with Him and less time with worldly pursuits. He will give you personalized commands to be obeyed. Your desires for the world will melt as your love for Him increases. You are learning by grace how to live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world. You will see your deficit sect's activities as a waste of time because nobody else shares your hope and faith in the true gospel, the power of God; and the evidence of your faith in Christ, to lead you out of darkness to a sinless state, is for you to cease association with such people. If you stay, you will either lose your peace or lose your integrity. You will have to quietly leave your deficit sect to hear Christ's teachings. He will not build on top of false teachings. (See Sect's Services for more.) And you won't tell people your hope unless asked, because you haven't been instructed to by Him, and you're not ready yet to reach to the holy part of your listener which can hear. This is the cross. The cross is the power of God; repentance with remission of sin through grace. Belief in the true gospel, and the cross to realize the promise, releases the power of God to purify you and make you one with Him. See How to Benefit from the Changing Power of God for more details, including necessary suffering.
For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin—Rom 6:6
From George Fox:
...grace and truth came by Jesus Christ, who would teach them to deny all ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly and godly in this present world. So that every man and woman might know the grace of God, which had appeared to all men; which was saving, and sufficient to bring their salvation. This teacher, the grace of God, would teach them how to live, what to do, and what to deny; it would season their words, and establish their hearts.
So all people (in that which is called the whole Christendom) come to the light that Christ Jesus has enlightened you with, that with it you may see your salvation, and know Christ your Teacher, your captain of your salvation, and the grace that comes by him, that brings your salvation, which grace teaches us, which is sufficient in weakness and temptation that brings salvation, and by it are we saved; and it teaches to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts, and to live soberly and righteously; and this is our Teacher which brings salvation. Therefore have all the loins of your minds girded up to wait for the grace to be brought unto you at the Revelation of Jesus Christ; mind Peter's exhortation.
Now they that turn from the grace into wantonness, [unrestraint], and walk despitefully against the Spirit of God, set up teachers according to their own hearts lusts, and such are always learning under them, being unable to come to the knowledge of the truth, and so go into and remain in the earthly lusts, ungodliness, and into temptations, and weaknesses where there is mourning and complaining, and where the mourners are many; therefore come to the grace of God, and that is it which will let you see your ungodliness, unrighteousness, lust of the world, and unsoberness; that is your Teacher at all times; which will bring salvation if you mind it, and regard it, and take heed unto it; but if you turn it into wantonness, [unrestraint], the swift judgments of God will come upon you.
Therefore mind the grace of God, the Teacher at all times which brings salvation; by which you may see your salvation; by which you may see your salvation brought; for the mighty say of the Lord is coming upon all the unrighteousness of men, the Lord God his Son is appearing towards you; who has all power in heaven and earth given to him, who is the King of kings, the Lord of lords. Therefore mind and receive the light with which he has enlightened you, that you may receive him. Set open your gates that the King of Glory may come in, who stands at the door and knocks; turn to the light, and you open the gate, where the entering of the King of Glory is seen. And come off all the barren mountains that are in the fall out from God’s image, life, and power, come from all the wells without water, and tempests and clouds without rain which wander about. Come to the light, and receive the light, that in the light you may receive Christ, and become his sons; that through that you may see the morning star appear where the Sons of God Sing together. For woe is to the world which lies in wickedness, for the Lord is come to judge it; and to give all Men the reward according to their works, whether they are good, or whether they are evil: And with the light you may every one know whether your works are good, or whether they are evil, for that which may be known of God is made manifest in you, which God has showed to you, when you do the thing that is unrighteous or worthy of death; by that of God in you, you can tell.
And when you go from that of God within you, you do not glorify God, as God, but you are strangers from his life; and strangers from the covenant of life; and peace which is in Christ; and so come your foolish hearts to be dark fed and filled with unrighteousness, and upon such come God's judgments and wrath.
Now they who are made free from the wrath which is to come, they are come to that of God in them; to the light, and so see Christ the covenant of peace, who destroys the devil, and takes away the enmity which is between them and the Lord, through which comes the wrath, woe and misery; by which light, (Christ, God's covenant), man is brought into Peace with God, and saved from the wrath to come, from all the false ways, teachings, false worship false churches, commands, traditions, rudiments, will-worships, inventions, handy works, worship, lip service, to the light and Spirit of God in your own particulars, that by it you may turn to God, and worship him in Spirit; and walk in the Spirit, Christ Jesus, who was before sin was. For since the beginning that man fell from God, from his power and image, have all false ways, false worships, false churches, been set up; even by that Spirit and power, and wisdom that is out of the Truth, below, which has killed about them. So there is a way in which is the life, and he is the light which enlightens you. Therefore come to the light, and you come to the way, which was before the power of death was, whose name is Christ, and such as are out of the light, are out of him in the ways of death and darkness and captivity; for as the outward Jews were in captivity under Pharaoh so the inward Jews in the Spirit, are in captivity in spiritual Sodom and Egypt, which do not mind the leadings of the Spirit and do not hearken to what it says; for every one must hearken and hear what the Spirit said to the churches, and not to hearken and hear a visible thing; and in that they would edify, build, join, unite, and come into Fellowship.
If you are a sect's teacher or a preacher, you won't be able hear, because you are in captivity, having led others into captivity, Rev 13:10; to be able to hear, you have to stop teaching or preaching until you are perfected, adjusted, and set to rights by Christ. Luke 6:40. See Teachers and Preachers for more detail.
You must have fellowship with Christ in his sufferings; 1 Pet 4:12-13
if you will reign with him, you must suffer with him; 2 Tim 2:12
if you will live with him, you must die with him; 2 Tim 2:11
and if you die with him, you must be buried with him, Rom 6:4
and being buried with him in the true baptism, you also rise with him. Col 2:12
There must be "a coming into his death, a suffering with Christ;" and this is of necessity to salvation; and not temporarily, but continually: there must be a "dying daily."
The cross is the beginning of salvation. The cross is only obedience; and to those who oppose it, they are headed for destruction, for their god is their belly [their lusts and affections for the pleasures of the world], and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things. Phil 3:17-19
And Christ's blood sacrifice is what allows you to come back every day to wait on Christ's teachings, even when you have been disobedient or done something stupid. Grace is unmerited; so matter how dumb you have acted or how disobedient, you can come back. Because he is your friend, and as long as you are sorry and willing to try again, he forgives you. Part of the cross is to suffer supernatural tribulations and hardships. Then he will test you. And when he trusts you, he will give you more of his Spirit. As you are seeking purification, your failures are not counted against you; He understands that until you are purified you will of course have failings, and these do not grieve Him - as long as you pick up your dropped cross and shoulder it again. And your sorrow for failures is a soothing salve to him.
Therefore, since Christ suffered in his body, arm yourselves also with the same attitude, because he who has suffered in his body is done with sin. As a result, he does not live the rest of his earthly life for evil human desires, but rather for the will of God. 1 Pet 4:1-2. See How to Benefit from the Changing Power of God for more.
The key phrase here is "grace can help you as long as you keep trying." Prize your time. Spend it well. Time goes quickly. Remember you are taking a course that will affect you forever. Do not neglect so great a salvation. It deserves at least an hour a day of solitary quiet time waiting for and listening to your savior and teacher. And as he draws you to himself, spend more time. The more time you spend waiting on him, the faster you will hear, see, and change; and then enter the Kingdom of Heaven, paradise.
See How to Benefit from the Changing Power of God for more information.
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Here the arguments for the false gospel of grace are exposed. The error is looking at only a few of the verses in Paul's lengthy letter to the Romans, ignoring the whole of the letter. Here is how they did it, starting with Romans 3:10
"There is no one righteous, not even one; Romans 3:10
there is no one who understands, no one who seeks God. Romans 3:11
All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." Romans 3:12
(No one is righteous, no one decides to seek God themselves; God draws us to Himself. Therefore, no one can boast. )
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. Romans 3:20
(We cannot obtain righteousness by following the Law.)
But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. Rom 3:21
This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, Rom 3:22
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Rom 3:23
Correct, righteousness comes through faith in Jesus; no matter what you have done, righteousness is available through faith,
but this is not instant righteousness, as they incorrectly assume.
Paul clarifies: for we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. Gal. 5:5
and Paul further: you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness. Rom 6:16
And Jesus said, But seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. Mat 6:33
So, by faith we are given the right to approach God, seeking his grace; but we are not instantly righteous.
Otherwise, we would not be told to seek, wait, obey, and hope for righteousness.
and Paul: Awake to righteousness, and sin not; for some have not the knowledge of God: I speak this to your shame. 1 Cor 15:34
These blind guides want to rest on the "imputed righteousness of Christ" to us, based on our faith; as it was with Abraham.
True, Abraham received imputed righteousness even before he was circumcised. True, our faith is imputed righteousness.
But he went on to be circumcised, just as we must receive the spiritual circumcision- our heart circumcised from sin.
As Abraham exercised his faith to leave his home for a new land - so we forsake the world to enter God's Kingdom.
We can't just sit around celebrating our imputed righteousness, which only gives us the right to approach God for help.
No, we must go to Him to receive his cleansing grace to become righteous- the fruit of which is peace;
the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. Isaiah 32:17
Imputed peace, quietness and confidence forever is the make-believe instant righteousness of make-believe Christians.
So, this is the test: You are righteous and justified, if you have the peace that passes all understanding; quietness and confidence forever.
Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Rom 3:24
But this access to God does not make us instantly justified, for we seek to be justified in Christ. Gal. 2:17
And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace. Rom 11:6
Not of works, lest any man should boast. Eph 2:8-9.
It is faith and grace that saves. We are not saved by works, but by grace resulting from our faith in Jesus. Very true!
But slaves of depravity twist grace to be instantly complete and to justify DOING NOTHING, even repenting!
Per Paul: Grace teaches what to deny and how to live in a godly way that leads to purity. Titus 2:11-14
These whitewashed false prophets have the audacity to claim that the cross and repentance is 'works;'
Going beyond ridiculous, they tell you that if you do anything, you will loose your salvation by falling under the law.
This is a malicious distortion of the truth, dreamed up by lazy, evil men, devoid of any sense of godliness.
Works without faith in Christ count for nothing with God. But works energized by faith in Christ are essential.
Paul said, I declared..that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:20
The cross is only obedience, and those who oppose it are headed for destruction, for their god is their belly. Phil 3:19
You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe—and tremble!
But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?James 19-20
Paul further said, "continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling." Philippians 2:12
Again Paul said, grace results in a people zealous for good works. Titus 2:14
Jesus said, unless you repent you will all likewise perish. Luke 13:3. Repentance requires effort on your part.
And, As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Rev 3:19 (Zealous is -ardent desire, enthusiastic).
Jesus further said, Take my yoke upon you and learn from me. Mat 11:29
Jesus said, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. Luke 9:23
Jesus said, I have not found thy works perfect before God. Rev 3:2-3. Jesus wants perfect works.
Jesus said, Stop toiling and doing and producing for the food that perishes and decomposes,
but strive and work and produce rather for the food which endures unto life eternal. John 6:27
James said: You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2:24
So works are essential to realizing righteousness, purity, salvation, and the Kingdom - given to us by faith and grace.
Paul again: I declared.. that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. Acts 26:20
The blind guides say that since grace is free, there is NOTHING you need to do for salvation. Free is free.
I say, true; grace is free, but salvation is not. Salvation comes by the long process of the gifts of grace with faith that is evidenced by works, starting with repentance. We are saved by grace, as the sinful nature dies on the cross; and our death is not evidence of being worthy of God's gifts - no, just the shame of being so unworthy.
Remember, Jesus told his disciples to preach repentance with remission of sins. Luke 24:47
False grace/salvation, keeps the forgiveness and ignores repentance; the blind guides don't even know how to repent.
That is what this web site is dedicated to teaching: how to receive conviction requiring repentance, and how to receive the cleansing, changing grace that leads to purity and the Kingdom of Heaven, paradise while on earth.
Paul again: What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid. Romans 6:15
So grace, is not a license to continue to sin. We are not condemned while we are waiting to be cleansed,
but per Paul again, we have to continue to work out our salvation with fear and trembling. Philippians 2:12
Per Paul again: But God be thanked, that you were the servants of sin,
but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Roman 6:17
(he is talking to people then free from sin, having obeyed the doctrine that made them free from sin)
Being then made free from sin, you became the servants of righteousness. Romans 6:18
by obedience to the doctrine referred to in 6:17, they were made free from sin and servants to righteousness
But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, you have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life. Romans 6:22 You cannot serve God unless you are free from sin. Everlasting life comes after you have produced fruit unto holiness.
And finally Paul says it all to conclusion:
For if you live after the flesh, you shall die:
but if you through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, you shall live. Romans 8:13-14
and
Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit,
perfecting holiness in the fear of God. 2 Corinthians 7:1
So there it is: perfecting holiness. I can't imagine a stronger requirement than to be perfectly holy.
This is not make-believe christianity, this is the real requirements of being a Christian.
Paul again, speaking to mature Christians who have been set free from sin and are enjoying holiness:
But now since you have been set free from sin and have become the slaves of God,
you have your present reward in holiness and its end is eternal life. Rom 6:22
Paul's patient teachings, explaining in detail how salvation works, have been twisted into the devilish doctrine of instant salvation.
So the false grace/salvation doctrines are based on "cherry picking" a few verses from the Bible about grace and twisting them to mean salvation, while ignoring the preponderance of other verses throughout the Bible that totally change their meaning considered alone; by promoting "instant salvation by faith and grace," they excuse evil to good, they make black white; and they ask you to pay them money for their error, even when they are specifically forbidden to take money. 1 Pet 5:2. And Acts 20:29-31 tells us: Even from among your own selves men will come to the front who, by saying perverse (distorted and corrupt) things, will endeavor to draw away the disciples after them.They were taught by Bible Colleges rather that Christ himself. See a few of George Fox's writings on these blind guides. Instant grace is the broad way that leads to destruction, vs. the narrow way that is contracted by pressure that leads to life, which few will find.
The world wants a Christ that excuses them to live their life as they choose; that is why the false, instant grace/salvation has swept the deficit sects - false teachers telling them what their itching ears want to hear: relax, just say you believe in Jesus, get washed by water, and by magic you are reborn, free to continue your 'new life' in sin - but assured of escaping Hell and going to heaven when you die. Relax, relax, grace, grace. Didn't your common sense tell you the false, instant salvation your preacher sold you was at least a little suspicious?
Let everyone who names the name of the Lord give up all iniquity and stand aloof from it. 2 Tim 2:19
See How to Benefit from the Changing Power of God for more.
This web site's purpose is to show how to become
free from sin
by benefiting from the changing power of God through the cross,
which leads to union with God in his Kingdom.
TITHING
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Summary: Tithes, a tenth of the land's crops production, were property of the Lord, to be used for the widows, the fatherless, and the stranger in the land - not just for the priests' sole usage. Tithes were supposed to be stored in a place commanded by God, to relieve those in need as well as to rejoice, when the families and servants of the contributors were to eat in celebration from the tithed foods, together with the priests. The priesthood of Aaron and the sons of Levi, which had commandments to take tithes from the people, died with Christ's sacrifice of himself, establishing Christ as the everlasting priest of an everlasting priesthood. So tithing died when the old priesthood died, when the Law died. Anyone who takes tithes is a false prophet, antichrist, and a deceiver; and anyone who continues to pay tithes is denying Christ's priesthood; both are subject to God's condemnation. Tithing died with the Levitical priesthood; the only places tithing is referenced in the New Testament is the claim of the self-righteous Pharisee, and the explanation of its death in Hebrews. The Apostle Paul instructed people to set aside funds from their excess, but that was to relieve the poor, particularly the large numbers of poor brethren in Jerusalem. Relieving the poor does not include supporting self-appointed pastors or to maintain an uncommanded temple or building. Jesus, Paul, and Peter all denied those who solicited money for preaching; and as Christ instructed his disciples: Freely (without pay) you have received, freely (without charge) "give. Mat 10:8. Here are the many fallacies of tithes:
The Levitical priesthood is the only priesthood to be commanded by God to collect a tenth of the product of the land.
Priesthoods before or after had no such command. To be a priest to collect tithes, you had to be a descendant of Levi.
(Note a related subject: The temple in Jerusalem was the only temple God ever wanted or commanded.
Church buildings, cathedrals, and such monuments to man's pride are not wanted by God and contemptible in his sight,
for the Most High does not dwell in houses and temples made with hands, Acts 7:48-9
He wishes to dwell in you with Christ in his glorious Kingdom - after you are purified. See Temple for More.)
Land limits tithing to grain, cattle, oil, fruit, etc. - the product of the land. God had distributed the land to all
Jewish tribes except the Levites; so a portion of the land's production was commanded for the Levites, and to provide for the poor.
Tithes were collected by Levites priests only in a named place selected and specified by the Lord.
Since the produce was food, the people were supposed to eat the food with their children, servants, and
any Levites living within the boundaries of their lands, with thanksgiving and rejoicing to the Lord;
and this celebratory thanksgiving meal was supposed to be eaten in a place specifically chosen by the Lord.
After eating in celebration to the Lord, any excess was to be placed in a storehouse, location chosen by the Lord,
to be distributed by the Levite to the stranger, the widow, and the fatherless - the provision for the relief of the poor.
Money was not part of tithing - with one exception. If the distance to the location chosen by the Lord was too far to travel with the tithes of food, the food to be tithed was to be sold for money. Then the person was to travel to the location, with the money buy whatever food he particularly enjoyed, and then eat the food in celebration as in #4 above.
MOST IMPORTANT: Christ eliminated and abolished the Levitical priesthood. He became the new priesthood. So the command given to the Levital priesthood was eliminated also. Christ eliminated tithing, just as he ended the ordinances and old covenant. Below is the scripture backup to this elimination of tithing:
Hebrews 7: Begin Verse 1
This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means "king of righteousness"; then also, "king of Salem" means "king of peace." Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.
Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their kindred—even though their kindred are descended from Abraham. This man, [Melchizedeck] however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. And without doubt the lesser [Abraham] is blessed by the greater [Melchizedek]. In the one case, [Levites] the tenth is collected by those who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living [Melchizedek was forever alive, without natural mother of father, a similarity to Christ to come]. One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.
Jesus Like Melchizedek
If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, [Christ] not in the order of Aaron? For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, [Christ did not come from Levi, rather Judah] and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. For it is declared: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
The former regulation [including tithes ordered to be collected by the Levites,who as priests were abolished] is set aside because it was weak and useless (for it made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever.' " Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant. [which replaces the old covenant and is everlasting]
Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; [the former high priests, the Levites, with their tithes] but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, [the new high priest who abolishes the Levite priesthood] who has been made perfect forever.
Hebrews 7: End
Tithing died with Christ's resurrection. Christ is the new priest. Replacing the Levitical priesthood - for which tithes were commanded. To tithe is to deny Christ's priesthood.
Any minister who asks for money, even other than tithing, is a false prophet and violating the commands of Jesus and Peter as echoed by Paul. But as Christians, we are called to be generous without a limitation of ten per cent to those in need, particularly the poor. This does not include a poor pastor who is asking for tithes; for to pretend he has such authority, either shows him to be an unqualified, ignorant, blind teacher - or worse, dishonest. In either case, you should disassociate yourself immediately with anyone trying to hold up tithing. And recognize that you will be condemned for supporting any such false ministry. Give to the poor not to religion; (ten percent is good, but give as much as you can to the poor), for more on this see Jesus Wants to Teach You Himself.
Note: Thousands of 17th Century Quakers were fined and sent to jail for failure to pay tithes to the state-approved sects, assigned in geographic parishes. When a parish became available due to death of a priest, the state approved priests bid in auction for the ministry; considering the guaranteed revenue from the population of the parish.
The punctuation, language, and grammar of the below writings have been updated to be more current to modern usage. The below writings are shown with several sections deleted because of repetition, complexity, and specific reference to severe persecutions suffered at the hand of the demanders of tithes.
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That all might see WHO THEY WERE That had a command, and did pay tithes;
and who They were that had a Law to receive them.
And also, THEM THAT WITNESSED in Spirit and Life the Law fulfilled,
the substance and end of the Law, and that priesthood that took tithes
And likewise, These are here manifest that do take tithes,
and have no command from GOD but contrary to the Law of GOD.
That all people may see whom they were that did receive tithes,
and who they were that paid them- George Fox
Now all people, the priests of the world are shut from the first priesthood, which was called of God as Aaron was, they that were of the sons of Levi, that had the office of the priesthood, that had the Commandment to take tithes of their brethren, of the people according to the Law, Heb. 7. And said the Lord, 'all the tithes of the Land, whether of the seed of the Land, or the fruits of the trees, is the Lord's, it is holy unto the Lord.' Lev. 27:30. And said the Lord, the tithes of the Children of Israel, (mark) which they have offered for an heave-offering unto the Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit it; therefore I have said unto him, among the children of Israel they shall have no inheritance; therefore they were to have the tithes of the children of Israel; this the Lord gave them. And said the Lord, speak unto the Levites, and say unto them: When you take of the children of Israel the tithes, that which I have given you from them for an inheritance; (mark, this was the priests' inheritance, the Levites' inheritance) then he shall offer up an Heave-offering of it for the Lord, even of the tenth of the tithes.
Now mark, the Levites' portion was the tithe which which they had from the Lord, and they were to offer out of their portion of tithes the tenth part of their tithes unto the Lord, and this also shall you offer, an heave-offering unto the Lord of all your tithes which you receive of the children of Israel. (Mark) The Levites and you shall give thereof the Lord's heave-offering to Aaron the priest, Numb. 18, which was to be a statute forever; and all the tithes of the land, whether of the seeds of the land, or the fruits of the trees, [because the land was God's who had distributed it; no money mentioned here. H.W. ], it is holy unto the Lord, and the Lord did give it to be the priests portion, with a commandment according to the law to take tithes, and if any man will redeem anything of his tithes, be shall add thereto a fifth part thereof, a heave-offering of the tithes, or of the flock, even of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth shall be holy unto the Lord, and this he gives to the priests for their inheritance, who were to pay the tenth part of it unto the Lord, Lev 27. They were to throw down their altars, break down their pillars, burn up their groves, hew down their graven images of their gods, and destroy their names out of the place; but unto the place which the Lord shall choose out of all your tribes, (mark) and put his name there, even unto his habitation shall you seek, and there shall you come, and there shall you bring your burnt-offerings and your sacrifices, and your tithes, and your heave-offerings in your hands, and your free-will-offerings, and the firstling of your herds, and of your flocks. Mark, where the place was that the Lord chose; not where men chose, and not to every priest's barn; for these places should be thrown down and rooted out, then there shall be a place which the Lord your God shall choose to have his Name to dwell there, there shall you bring all that I command you, your burnt-offerings, sacrifices, your tithes, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your sons, and your daughters, and the man-servants and your maid-servants, and the Levite that within your gate, since he has no part of inheritance among you; but the place which the Lord shall choose, out of one of your tribes, (mark) one of the tribes, there shall you bring your burnt-offering, and there all that I command you; you may not eat within your gates the tithe of your corn, or of your wine, or of your oil, the first-born of your herd, or of your flock, or any of your vows that you have vowed, or of your free-will-offerings that you have offered, but you must eat them before the Lord your God in the place which the Lord your God should choose, you and your son and your daughter, and the Levite that is within your gate, that you may rejoice in the Lord your God before the Lord your God in all that you puts your hands to, Deut. 12. Take heed to yourself that you forsake not the Levites as long as you live upon the earth, you shall truly tithe all the increase of your seed that your field brings forth, year by year, and you shall eat before the Lord your God, where he has chosen to place his name, there the tithe of the corn, and of the wine, and of the oil, and the firstling of your herd, and of your flock, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. And if the way be too far, so that you are not able to carry it to the place that the Lord your God should choose, and if the place be too far for you, which the Lord your God has chosen to set his Name there, when the Lord your God shall bless you, then you may turn it to money, and bind it in a bundle, and you shall change that in money into whatever [food] your soul desires after, and shall eat it before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice it in your hand, and go to the place which the Lord your God has chosen to set his Name there. This includes you and your household, and the Levite that is within your gate, you shall not forsake him; for he has no part nor inheritance with you; at the end of three years you shall bring all the tithes of your increase the same year, and lay it up within your gates, and the Levite, because he has no part nor inheritance with you, and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow that are within your gates, shall come, eat, and be satisfied, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the works of your hands that you do.
Now mark, the Levite and the stranger, the widow, the fatherless, these were to eat of the tithes; not only the Levite, but the fatherless, widow and the stranger, and the tithes were to be eaten within the gates, but the place which the Lord God did choose; now the sons might eat with the Levites of the tithes, your sons and your daughters, and your man-servant and your maid-servant, and thus they were to rejoice before the Lord their God; and the widow, and the stranger, and the fatherless, these were to eat as well as the Levite, and were to be filled, and to be satisfied, and to rejoice before the Lord God; for the tithes of the land is the Lord Gods: so he gives it to Levi; so Levi had a command to receive tithes of the people, of the children of Israel, as you may read in Deut., you shall rejoice in every good thing which the Lord your God has given you, and unto your house, mark, you and the Levite, and the stranger that is among you, when you have made an end of tithing all the tithes of your increase the third year, that is the year of tithing, (mark) the third year of tithing the tithes, and have given it to the Levite, and the stranger and the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within your gates, and be satisfied: Mark, here the stranger was to be satisfied, and the fatherless to be filled, and the widow to be filled, as well as the Levite; and then you shall say before the Lord your God, I have brought away the hallowed things out of my house, and I have given it to the Levite, and to the fatherless, and to the stranger, and to the widow, according to all your commandments, which you have commanded me; and I have not transgressed your commandment, Deu 26; neither have I forgotten them. Now you may see in Hebrews 7 how this commandment was annulled which they had to take tithes, and 2 Chr 31, see how Hezekiah and the people, who dwelled in Jerusalem, were to give the portion to the priests and Levites, that they might be encouraged in the law of God; and as soon as the commandment had gone abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance of the first fruits of the corn, and of the wine, and of the oil; and they brought in abundantly of all the increase of the field. And concerning the children of Israel, and Judah, they brought also of the tithes, of the oxen and sheep; the tithe of all the holy things, which was consecrated to the Lord their God, and laid them on heaps; and Hezekiah questioned with the priests and Levites concerning the heaps, and Azariah the chief priest of the house of Sadoc said: since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat, (mark) and left plenty, for the Lord has blessed the people, that they have left great store. And Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the Lord, and they prepared them and brought in the offerings and the tithes, and the dedicated things faithfully, over which was Cononiah ruler, and Shimei was next.
Mark, and take notice, here was a Levite that was ruler over the tithes, and here was a chamber to put the tithes and the offerings in, which was left, [any food, not eaten in the celebration] which was not eaten, and Core the son of Imnah the porter, was over the free-will-offering to distribute the oblations of the Lord, of the Holy things; here Levi the Levite who was the ruler over the chamber of the tithes, and the Levite, his portion was the tithes. And again, you may read Nehemiah, how they were to bring the first fruits of the ground, of all fruits, and of all trees year by year, into the house of God; also the first born of the sons and of the cattle, as it is written in the Law and the firstlings of the flock, and of our herd, to bring into the house of our God, unto the priests that ministers in the house of our God. And that we should bring the first fruits of our house, and of our offering of all manner of fruits of the trees, of wine, and of oil, unto the priest of the chamber of the house of our God, and the tithes of our ground unto the Levite, that the same Levites might have all the tithes of our cities, and the Levites and the priests, the sons of Aaron, should be with the Levites when the Levites took tithes, and the Levites should bring up the tithes of tithes; mark, here the Levite whose portion was the tithes, which all the Land was the Lord's, the Levite, the priest was here to bring the tithe of tithes unto the house of God, into the chamber, into the treasury-house. Mark, the tithes were to be brought chamber and treasury, and the Levites were to bring, and put their tithes of tithes for the children of Israel; and of Levi shall bring the corn and the wine into the Chamber, where are the vessels of of the sanctuary, where are the porters and the singers Nehemiah, 12. Some were appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the first fruits, and tithes, to bring them in, out of the fields of the cities, the portion for the priests and Levites that waited; and before this Eliashib the priest had the oversight of the chamber, of the house of our God, and he had prepared for him a great chamber, Neh 13, where they laid the meat-offerings, the frankincense, the corn, and the wine, and the oil. Which was commanded to be given to the Levite and the singer, and the porter, and the offering of the priest. Here again you may see, Eliashib had the oversight over the chamber of the children of God, where the tithes to be distributed were ministered forth; and when Nehemiah perceived, that the portion of the Levites had not been given them, then Nehemiah contended with the rulers, in the place where they gathered them, as to why the house of God was forsaken. All Judah then brought the tithe of the corn, and the new wine, and the oil into the treasures and Shelamiha the priest was made-surers over the treasury. Mark, here was a priest made treasurer that ministered forth; and Zadok the scribe of the Levites, and others that were faithful, distributed to their brethren. Mark, here was a priest to distribute to others. And bring your sacrifices, every morning, and your tithes after three years, Amos 4 in this priesthood and covenant; they were to bring offerings and sacrifices, as well as tithes. He that pleads for the one, may plead for the other, you have robbed God; but you may say how have we robbed him, in tithes or offerings? Mark, all the tithes of the land were the Lord's, as you may read; and they were to bring the tithes into the storehouse, and Levi was to have the tithes, and pay the tithe of the tithes, out of the tithes. Those who did not bring the tithes of the land, which were the Lord's, but kept them back, these robbed God; they kept their offerings back, and their tithes; these robbed God of tithes and offerings. Therefore the Lord said, take notice, bring in all your tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith, said the Lord of Hosts, if I will not open the windows of Heaven, and pour you forth a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Now you may see, here was a store-house which the tithes were to be brought into, that there might be meat in the Lord's houses, and they were to trust the Lord, and he would rebuke the devourer. Mark, meat in his house; there were the tithes to be brought; and out of that were they to be ministered, as you may read in Nehemiah. A priest was set over them, and the widows, strangers and fatherless were to eat and rejoice with the priest and the Levite, as you may read. Now while God was robbed of his tithes and his offerings, they transgressed his ordinance; the ordinance, which the second priesthood blotted out; the ordinance of the first priesthood. Now they oppressed the hireling in his wages, and oppressed the widow and the fatherless, and turned the stranger from his right. For the stranger wanted his right; and the fatherless, and the widow wanted their right, while God was robbed of his tithes; for all the tithes of the land were the Lord's. The widow, and the fatherless, the stranger, and the servants, the man-servant and the maid-servant, and sons and daughters; these might all eat, and be filled, and satisfied, and rejoice before the Lord. For tithes were the Lord's, but these had not their right while God was robbed. Mark, and read Mal. 3. throughout. You may see in Mat 23, when Christ the second priesthood had come; how the first priesthood that took tithes, and the Scribes and the Pharisees, the hypocrites that paid tithes of mint and cumin, and had omitted the weightier matters of the law, judgment, mercy and faith; 'these ought you to have done, and not have left the other undone, '[mark] 'these things ought you to have done,' said Christ, they ought to have done judgment, and mercy, and faith, and not to have left their paying of tithes undone. Though they did them, and left the weightier matters undone; therefore said Christ, woe unto you blind guides, that strain at a gnat, and swallow a camel. Now take notice, those that held up the first covenant, and the first priesthood, and tithes, are out of the judgment, and mercy, and faith; these did not discern Christ the second priesthood, and the second covenant, the second priesthood, the everlasting priesthood, the second covenant, the everlasting covenant; to this they were only blind. He said, these things you ought to have done, mark, the word have, you ought to have done. There he showed the new covenant and priesthood in place; but being blind, they did not see him to be the end of the first priesthood, Mat 23. And he that said he fasted twice in the week, and gave tithes of all that he did possess, he was of the first priesthood, Christ told him, That the Publican was more justified then the other, which would not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven, but said, Lord be merciful to me a sinner, Luke 18. Now you may see, and take notice, and consider them, that priesthood that took tithes and paid tithes and offerings did not recognize Christ, the second priesthood, the everlasting offering. They knew Him not, who is the everlasting covenant. For had they seen him, they would have seen the end of the first covenant and priesthood that took tithes. In which first covenant there were ordinances and statutes to be taught the people; those ordinances and commandments did Christ blot out, triumphing over them. Mark, when a thing is blotted out, how can they read it? And was not tithes an ordinance of GOD to be paid? And were not tithes the Lord's, tithes of the LAND? And were not these Ordinances in the first COVENANT? And are not these ORDINANCES blotted out by the second covenant and priesthood?
I challenge all the priests in the world to answer.
And whether or not that priesthood has been changed that took tithes;
and if the Law has been changed by which it was made,
and if the ordinances are not blotted out which they taught, and their command to the people?
And whether or not, that in the change of the priesthood the ordinance have not been changed?
For, it was an ordinance, Mal. 3. and the maintenance given to the priesthood,
and this witnessed with them that witnessed the second priesthood.
And so whether or not all the hand-writing of the ordinances have been blotted out and triumphed over and blotted out; and if so, who can read them?
And whether or not as I have said before, whether tithes were not ordinances of the first covenant;
and whether or not that has been blotted out, and the commandment annulled?
Answer all you that take tithes, or hold them up, or plead for them. And whether the Aaronnical priesthood has not been changed, which was called and ordained of God, and whether the Levitical priesthood has not been changed and no man takes this honor upon himself to offer gifts and sacrifices but he that is called of God as Aaron. And whether or not Christ was made a priest after the order of Aaron. Mark. Is not (as I said before) this priesthood changed, these offerings, these gifts, these sacrifices? Are not these ordinances, as said before, the hand-writing blotted out, and trampled over by Christ? And is not the Levitical priesthood changed, that took their tithes and their ordinances and commandments, by which they took their tithes. Now when the Apostle had spoken of this Call of Aaron, and no priests took upon them that honor to offer gifts and sacrifices but he that was called of God, as Aaron was the priest; and when the Apostle had spoken this, so he said of Aaron's call of God, and the rest, who was to do his services, his sacrifices, his commands, his ordinances, and was called of God to do them, and his statutes, which was to have their time; so said the Apostle also of Christ, glorified not himself to be made a high-priest, but he that said unto him, you are my Son, this day have I begotten you. [Mark] Here is the everlasting priest, the begotten of the Father who offered up himself by the eternal Spirit. Now none took the honor to himself to offer in the first covenant (the priesthood) but such priests as was called of God, as Aaron was. Now Jesus Christ, the second priesthood, was not made a priest after the Order of Aaron, but of the Order of Melchizedeck, the begotten of the Father; has he not blotted out all these ordinances and offices of the priests, of Levi, or Aaron, which was commanded of God to do them? Are not the ordinances blotted out? Yes or No? Or has not Christ blotted them out, and not triumphed over them? Yes or no? Answer whether tithes were not a hand-writing of these ordinances. And after that Abraham had returned from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, which had taken away Lot, his Brothers son, which he brought back, and brought again his Brother, and all his goods, and the women, and also the people; Melchizedek brought him bread and wine, and he was the priest of the most high God; and he blessed Abraham, and said: Blessed be the most High God, who has delivered you out of your enemies hand; and he gave him tithes of all. [Mark] this was when he returned from the slaughter, and the King of Sodom would have had the persons, and Abraham should have had the goods himself; Abraham denied, he would not take so much as a shred of a shoestring, lest they should say, I have made Abraham rich. So Abraham that paid tithes.
Several paragraphs in the original letter have been deleted because of repetition, subject matter peculiar to the time of the priests seizing spoils from arrested Quakers, and complexity. H.W. Easier to understand scripture from Hebrews 7:4-26, is substituted as follows:
Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people—that is, from their kindred—even though their kindred are descended from Abraham. This man, [Melchizedeck] however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. And without doubt the lesser [Abraham] is blessed by the greater [Melchizedek]. In the one case, [Levites] the tenth is collected by those who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living [Melchizedek was forever alive, without natural mother of father, a similarity to Christ to come]. One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.
Jesus Like Melchizedek
If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, [Christ] not in the order of Aaron? For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, [Christ did not come from Levi, rather Judah] and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. For it is declared: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
The former regulation [including tithes commanded to be collected by the Levites who who were abolished] is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God. And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever.' " Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant. [which replaces the old covenant and is everlasting]
Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; [the former high priests, the Levites, with their tithes] but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, [the new high priest who obsoletes the Levite priesthood] who has been made perfect forever.
Come priests, let us measure your practice by the scripture, if you will take tithes according to the first priesthood, and so deny that Christ has come in the flesh; and so let all the widows, fatherless, and strangers sons and daughters, and servants have part, and eat with you, and bring it to a house the Lord appoints, and not your own. Is this not according to Scripture?And is this not an ordinance? And is this ordinance not blotted out by Christ, and not the ordinance for you to take them? Come let us see your practice; such as are come into the light, and walk in the light, which are of the second priesthood, those being to measure you by the second priesthood, whether you receive your tithes of that out of which Abraham paid them; and whether you receive your tithes, which is the Lord's, as Levi did, and out of them you pay a tenth, and have a house appointed of God to put them in, and widows, and strangers, sons, and daughters, and fatherless are satisfied? Or whether you are acting, as I said before, neither according to the Law, nor Melchizedeck, taking tithes of Abraham, the similarity, like unto the Son of God; nor according to the Apostles but only as heathen, who follow the custom of nations. And so who was the first that has given them you, seeing the Apostle said, that the priesthood was changed that took them, (who preached Christ) and that ordinance was blotted out, for they was an ordinance. Come lets see all your strength, and see if it will not bring you all home to the Pope, who is out of the Truth, and out of the Light, who takes tithes, and receives tithes.
George Fox
Before Abraham was I am; which Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedeck, the similarity, the likeness of the Son of God, who (before Abraham ) was the end of all similarities and likenesses, the priesthood under the Law, under which stood the shadows, types, and figures, in which the priesthood could not continue by reason of death, had a command according to the LAW to take tithes of the people; and the widows, and the stranger, and fatherless was to be relieved out of it as well as they; and they were to have chambers and storehouses: and those were so distant, if that they could not drive their cattle, or other things which they were to pay, they might turn it into money, and bring it to the place appointed, and there what they would they might bestow upon, or buy; that there might be meat in the house, for the widows, and strangers, and the fatherless, Levi and the priesthood. Now this priesthood being changed, which could not continue by reason of death, and the everlasting priesthood has come, Christ Jesus the end of the first. They who: preach him, and are witnesses of him, who remains a priest forever; that are ministers of the gospel; ambassadors of Christ; teachers of him; declarers of him; deny the first priesthood with and tithes, and have showed the end of that. They preach Christ the substance, the end of the Law, the end of all the outward shadows, figures, types and the everlasting covenant; and the one offering, that has perfected forever them that are sanctified.
Now these were the ministers of Christ, and his disciples, and ambassadors, who witnessed the end of similarities and likenesses, and the first priesthood that took tithes and the Law; and they preach up Christ Jesus as the everlasting priesthood, that remains forever after the order of Melchizedeck, without beginning or ending. So all these (since the days of the Apostles) that cry up tithes, and sets up tithes, are the antichrists, and the false prophets, and the false apostles, and the ministers of unrighteousness, and the devils messengers, who comes from him, that deceives this ignorant world, who gets into them; for the true ministers and messengers of the Lord Jesus Christ cry against have cried and do against those who takes tithes, and such deceivers are not to be held up; for they do not have command from God, but from men, their own command. For when Christ was manifested, the old commands of God that gave tithes to the first priesthood before Christ came in the flesh, were denied. So since the days of the Apostles another priesthood has gotten up without the command of God, which takes tithes, which are the ministers of unrighteousness, and the devils messengers and false apostles, which the true Apostles saw coming in before their decease.
So absolutely this is the Word of the Lord God to you all, this priesthood that takes tithes, and those who pays tithes now since the days of the Apostles, are to be denied with the power of the Lord God, and never are to be held up nor countenanced, but their mouths are to be stopped, and no agreement is to be made with them, not with the Beast, and the false prophets, and antichrists, for it is absolutely against Christ; for those who held up the first priesthood, which took tithes after the second was come, and did not come to the second priesthood, they were against Christ. Now they that have gotten up a priesthood that takes tithes since Christ and the Apostles, are the very antichrists, and false prophets, and false teachers, and deceivers of the world themselves, and a heap of confusion and it is like this priesthood now that take tithes, and this Ministry which has got up the Temple, as they call it, and Synagogues, and tithes, is like unto the Heathens priests and Temples, who acted these things without a command from God, but their own inventions; which Heathens differed from the Jews, for they acted from a command from God, which these do not so the Jews was to be commended in their place and time which when the Substance was come, that was denied which was commanded, and had a command to take tithes:
Therefore Christ saw and said, false prophets should come, and told them not go after them, by their fruits they should be known; thorns and thistles, and inwardly ravening, yet the sheep's clothing; and he spoke this to his Disciples; before the Disciples decease they saw the Antichrists had come, and were already in the world, And they went forth from us, said John: Now they that were the Antichrists and the false prophets were them that had gone forth from the Apostles doctrine, so out of the Power of Christ, though they came out with them; now Christ said, Go not after them when they shall say, Lo here; or lo there; which Christ enlightens every man that comes into the world, that all through him might believe; so none need go forth, for everyone that comes into the world be enlightened. And further, John in his Revelations saw all the world had gone after the beast and the false prophets; first, he saw that they had gone forth from them, from the true Apostles, therefore the true Apostles bring the saints to the Light within them, that shined in their hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ, and to the anointing within them, that abided within them, and said, they needed not any to teach them, but the same anointing did teach them;and as it did teach them, they should continue in the Son and the Father; mark, then they should not go forth. Now they who had gone forth from them, and stayed not with them, were the false prophets, and such continued not in the Son and the Father, and such the world went after, (all the world), and these are them: here is the beast and the false prophets, and here are the antichrists, and here is the mother of harlots; and here is Babylon building up and throwing down; and here is the dragon that is gone forth of the truth, which gives his power to the beast, which makes war against the saints; and here are all the harlots, and here are those who takes tithes; and here is the Cage of unclean Birds, and a habitation for devils; and here people are drunk with the cup of fornication, they lost their virginity before they came to the marriage; this is before they are married (to Christ) - fornication (spiritual adultery) - read and understand; and this is now since the days of Christ, and since the days of the Apostles, ruling and reigning; and here are tithes; and here is oppression; and this is what John saw that had come, and was to come; which times many are in, and you are in, which all must be denied with the same power of God that the Apostles were in, who saw it, and saw over Babylon, over the mother of harlots, to her downfall; over the false prophets, and the beast, who alive must go into the lake of fire, and saw the vials of the wrath of the Almighty poured upon the beast, and those who worshiped him, who must drink the cup from the Lord without mixture, and saw the vials that were to be poured upon the air, and upon the beast and the earth, and the seat of the beast; and over this saw, and its end, and before it was; which power of the Lord God is now manifested, which comprehends the ages, which is the fulfilling of the prophecies in the Light; (this is the Word of the Lord God to you all), and saw where there was the throne of God; and saw how all the world had worshipped the Beast, and gone after the false prophets, so from the true prophet, Christ Jesus the Light of the world, which enlightens everyone that comes into the world, the everlasting priesthood, except those who had their names written in the Lamb's Book of life before the foundation of the world was, who kept the testimony of Jesus, which is the spirit of prophecy. So the state now that people are in, and their Teachers and Professors, they are those who have gone forth from the anointing within them, and gone forth from the Light that enlightens every man that comes into the world; so having gone forth, are those who Christ said would come, and John saw had come, and now the world goes after them; so the state that people are in now, they are only now coming in from the false prophets who take tithes and coming in from the antichrists, to the light that enlightens every man that comes into the world, and so to the anointing within them to teach them; and as the light teaches them, they shall continue in the Son and in the Father. So as people come into the Light, come to the Light by which they are enlightened, and feel the anointing within them, to teach them; they come from all them that have gone forth (departed from the true faith); and with the light, and life, and power of God, see that they are those whom Christ said were to come, from whom men cannot gather grapes, nor figs, who are the inwardly raveners, from the light which Christ has enlightened them withal - these are inwardly ravening. For those who are in the light which Christ has enlightened them withal, are kept from their minds from ravening; their minds are up to Christ from where the light comes; and there are both the grapes and figs to be gathered; and they are them that John saw had come, whereby they knew it already was the last time, and which was then already entered into the world before John's decease; and in his Revelations he saw how the world was gone after them, who had the antichrists and false prophets who had gone out from them, from John, and the saints, and the disciples. And so you may see how they went forth from the power of God, the power the saints were in. So with the Light they are all judged; and with it they are all comprehended, for their fruits and deeds and actions manifests it, how that they stand against the Light, which every man that comes into the world is enlightened withal. Such are the inwardly raveners who are from the light that enlightens every man that comes into the world, and they are in the dark. And such are those who say, Lo here, lo there, and do not know where Christ is because they are from the Light in their own particulars, which Christ has enlightened them withal, which comes from him. And now with the Light all is seen which is separate from it; which light reaches to the Light in every man that comes into the world, though he hates it; which is the condemnation of him that hates it. So all those who hold up tithes, are those that are out of the light, in their own particulars; they are antichrists; being against Christ. Antichrists have appeared since the days of the Apostles, and the days of the true Christ's disciples, and his true Apostles and true ministers, who eat no mans bread for doing nothing. But these out-of-the-Light antichrists will eat men's bread for doing nothing, and take from those for work that they haven't done; all of which is judged and condemned with the light. God's plagues come on such; his vials upon the beast, and the seat of the beast, and earth, which makes men gnaw their tongues, and gnash their teeth, because of the plague, and the pain, and their anguish. Fornication is from the light, and that which receives the plagues; and the vials are from the light, out of the life and the power of God, of the true Christ, of the apostles, and disciples, and messengers of Christ were in. This is all for the fire; this is to go alive into the lake of fire. Therefore blessed is he that reads and understands, and is come to: the eye that sees; and the ear that hears; the feet that walk; the hand that handles the word of Life; the heart that is pure, by which he does understand; and the tongue that speaks right things that are right; and the nose that smells. He who comes into this, comes into the wisdom of God, that was before the world was; and he sees before ages and generations, and sees the time, in the Fathers hand. So before a man comes to the true Christ, he must come to the light with which every man that comes into the world is enlightened. That which deviates from the Light is antichrist, who speaks false things, and is of the false prophets. Such men, not in the Light, draw from that spirit of antiChrist; and this is that which stood in the world, and deceived the world, and wears the sheep's clothing, which is from the light which is forth, which the Apostles speaks of, which the world has gone after, which are inwardly ravennings, of whom grapes are not to be gathered, nor figs, but thorns instead. So these have reigned in the world, and have had great authority; those who takes tithes, with a mouth like a dragon, and feet like bear's; who tear and rend to pieces and wear the sheep's clothing. But the Son is risen, the Glory of the Lord is revealed, that by it everything is manifested.
