APOSTASY

APOSTASY

4/19/2012

 

“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” Matthew 7:13-14. The first three words of verse 13, “Enter ye in”, can also be rendered “there is only one way in”. Jesus makes the same declaration in John chapter 14 “…no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” John 14:6b. In both instances the words of our Lord Jesus are emphatic - resolute. The word “many” also carries a very significant meaning in the Greek. When Jesus speaks of “many” He’s speaking of multitudes, a massive number.

 

After Jesus gives the admonition that all would do well to enter in through the strait gate, He then explains what happens when the strait gate is by-passed; destruction/damnation is the only alternative. Then in the next verse it seems He changes the subject a bit “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Matthew 7:15. Combining the intent from the previous two verses, Jesus is stating that teachers (false prophets) who seem to be learned in the Word will be accepted by a mass number of the populous as teaching biblical truth. Although their words will appear to be sound and correct, these deceivers will actually be ravening wolves (emissaries of Satan). Because of their convincing style, their ability to present themselves, and their message as truthful, they will lead many (multitudes) down a treacherous path which will only lead to apostasy.

 

Apostasy is a fact; it was prophesied as a future event. Sadly, apostasy is now in full swing. As Jesus speaks of the apostasy that will be widespread in the last days, He addresses the apostates themselves in the following verse “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? Mat 7:22. You might be asking yourself, “What’s the problem?” These zealots did everything correct, right? Did they not declare the name of Jesus in all their activities? In His name they prophesied, cast out demons, and did many other wonderful works.  What can we say about these folks? They’re active, they’re persuasive, and they’re fully adept at convincing the masses of their spirituality simply by evoking the name of our Lord. So what’s the problem? Just this, He (Jesus Christ) is not their Lord. I’ll explain further in a moment. But know this, Satan too will perform miracles and wonders to behold, and the apostates will be in league with him. 

 

The fact of the matter is our foundation must be built on Jesus Christ, holding the Word of God as our final criterion, the final source of authority for all matters of faith and practice. Apostasy begins as folks move away from sound doctrine and begin moving towards the teachings of false prophets. In the new wave of apostasy occurring today there is no sound doctrine. The false prophet’s instructions are all doctrines of demons. “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;” 1 Timothy 4:1. The word “some” can also be translated as “men”. Men will, in the latter times, depart from the truth, which is Christ Jesus, as they are presented with the doctrines of demons by seducing spirits. The above verse is not merely a suggestion of what might happen, but a firm declaration of what the majority of the earth’s populous will be consumed with in the last days.

 

“They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.” Titus 1:16. The false teachers/false prophets are quite adept in their teaching, and in their outside appearance they attempt to put on Christ. Although their deceptions rely heavily on the incessant use of the name “Jesus” it’s all just a façade as there’s no indwelling by the Holy Spirit. By their works they are laid bare.

 

In the Greek the word for falling away is “apostasia” or apostasy, and it actually means to refuse to accept a certain belief or faith. It refers to those who have forsaken or rejected the true faith by turning to false doctrines, doctrines of demons. Any teaching that denies the deity of Jesus Christ is a false satanic doctrine. The religions of Islam, Mormonism, Jehovah Witness, Scientology, as well as many more, all fall under the umbrella of doctrines of demons. Yet they are convinced that they have the true faith, the true doctrine, thus they promote falsehoods and lead many others down the same destructive path. The only possible way for someone to be led astray is to neglect the study of the truth – in the infallible Word of God. Everything we are taught by others must be filtered through the Word of God. The scriptures are our only link to truth and our shield protecting us from the deceptions of the doctrines of demons. One of the worst corrupting influences is our own feelings. Feelings can be deceptive, filter every feeling trough the Word of God.

 

“But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him… For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ”. 2 Corinthians 11:3-4 & 13. Paul tells the Corinthian “ekklesia” (called out assembly) that he was fearful that through subtle means they may be led astray by false apostles, just as Eve was led astray by Satan. He goes on to explain that even Satan has the ability to transform himself as an angel of light. “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.” 2 Corinthians 11:14-15. We are deceived when we look at the outside appearance and accept that person as wise and without fault, while dismissing the fact that the heart of man is deceitful. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9. Have you noticed that God always declares that their end will be according to their works? Since the apostasy of the true faith leads to a works based faith, all who fall into that category will be judged by their works. Herein lies a major problem, there will be no salvation attributed to any person’s works. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” Ephesians 2:8, 9.

 

It’s imperative that we take a look at the how and why false prophets and the transformed ministers of righteousness (demons) are so successful, as they will lead many people down that apostasy trail. “Tarry ye and wonder; take your pleasure and be blind: they are drunken, but not with wine; they stagger, but not with strong drink. For Jehovah hath poured out upon you the spirit of deep sleep, and hath closed your eyes, the prophets; and your heads, the seers, hath he covered. And all vision is become unto you as the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one that is learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee; and he saith, I cannot, for it is sealed: and the book is delivered to him that is not learned, saying, Read this, I pray thee; and he saith, I am not learned. And the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw nigh unto me, and with their mouth and with their lips to honor me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear of me is a commandment of men which hath been taught them; therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvellous work among this people, even a marvellous work and a wonder; and the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid.” Isaiah 29:9-14.

 

These six verses of Isaiah contain the how and why many are so easily led astray. First of all, people take pleasure in being led, even to the extent that they are being led to the slaughter. They are caught up in the experiential instead of acquiring knowledge by the diligent study of God’s Word, and in their jubilation staggering around as though they are drunk on wine, but they are actually full of the delight that has tickled their ears. “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” 1 Timothy 4:3-4. These folks will receive only what they desire to hear, what will be pleasurable to them, and as they progress down this path more and more the truth will elude them.

 

As Isaiah continues, he explains what happens when the Word of God is supplanted and replaced by the doctrines of demons. A deep sleep comes over those who fall for this kind of teaching and their eyes and ears are closed to the truth. They can no longer understand the truth of God, it’s as though God’s Word has been sealed and they can’t open the seal. What happens then is they begin to seek the truth from those who are just as deluded as they are. They will turn to the educated (those who’ve been through seminary or some Christian college) for the truth, but in many cases today even those folks have been taught deceptions (Satan’s emissaries have moved into those arenas also) so that they, too, can no longer understand the Word of God. God says He will make His truth to be sealed even from the learned (educated). Thus they turn to interpretations that are contrary to God’s truth (doctrines of demons).

 

Isaiah goes on to explain that these people actually possess a form of spirituality, they draw close to God with their mouths and their words seem to honor Him, but their hearts are far from God. They have been taught the doctrines of demons and men, and the truth is not in them. God says that as they persist in this mode He will hide wisdom and knowledge from them. Apostasy will have them.

 

Amos tells us there will come a famine in the land (the whole earth), a famine of hearing the Word of God. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD: And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east, they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the LORD, and shall not find it.” Amos 8:11-12. People will seek to learn God’s truth, and in so doing they will settle on a counterfeit – lies, as the Word of God will have gone missing.

 

So how shall we know them, these teachers of deceit? “Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” Matthew 7:16-20. First of all the Holy Spirit will not be a part of their lives, thus their teachings will contradict the Word of God (producing no good fruit). Secondly the fruit of their labor is works based and this concept will fully corrupt the masses, the results of which will only bring destruction. Hell will be their destination.

 

If you know the Word of God these purveyors of lies/false doctrines will not be able to deceive you in any way, even though their persona may be impeccable. They will speak of Jesus as if they know Him but Jesus Himself says “And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity (wickedness).” Matthew 7:23. Even though in the previous verse of Matthew chapter 7 we understand that these folks were apparently successful in their casting out demons, prophetic predictions, and achieving a level of apparent wondrous signs, their doctrines were of demons. The Holy Spirit was not indwelling them as they had never truly believed in Messiah Jesus.

 

Those who are intent on fulfilling their own lusts will accept any lie as long as it makes them feel good. This is, then, the apostasy that the Bible speaks of as coming upon the inhabitants of earth in the last days. Don’t put your trust in man but in God and His Word. There is no substitute, and for the apostate there is little time to reverse course.

 

God bless you all,

 

Ron Graham

All scripture is “theopneustos” God breathed

 

Please continue to pray for my health.

INTERDIMENSTIONAL TRAVEL

INTERDIMENSTIONAL TRAVEL

4/12/2012

 

“And when the servant of the man of God was risen early, and gone forth, behold, an host compassed the city both with horses and chariots.” 2 Kings 6:15a. Elisha’s servant was horrified as he woke up one morning and found that he and his master were surrounded by a massive force of enemy troops, horses, and chariots. Try and put yourself in this servant’s shoes for a moment. You’ve risen early in the morning ready to busy yourself with that day’s chores. As you head out the door your eyes focus on thousands of enemy soldiers, you’re suddenly frozen in your steps. You somehow find the strength to go back in the house, close the door behind you, and begin frantically searching for the phone to call 911.

 

We can assume that was this servant’s reaction to what he had just witnessed (minus the phone call to 911). The servant ran to his master’s quarters and being full of fear cried out “… Alas, my master! how shall we do?” 2 Kings 6:15b. We don’t really realize the terror in this man’s mind as we read these simple English words, but he was surely shaken to the core. The servant was sure he and his master were toast.

 

As we read this account in 2 Kings we find that Elisha wasn’t at all shaken. As a matter of fact, quite the opposite was the case. Elisha was unnaturally calm and supernaturally at ease. He obviously knew something that his servant didn’t. Elisha proceeded to calm the fears of his servant with this simple phrase “And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them.” 2 Kings 6:16. Elisha explained to his servant that they (the angelic force) who were with them were more than they (a demonic force?) that were with the surrounding enemy troops. The Hebrew word translated into our English word “more” actually means – great, exceedingly, abundant, strong. In other words they were fully protected. But the servant couldn’t see anyone but the enemy troops.

 

“And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see…” 2 Kings 6:17a. Because Elisha’s servant was so completely overtaken with fear, Elisha asked God to open his servant’s eyes so he could see what Elisha saw. Notice that only God can open our eyes so that we may spiritually discern.

 

“…And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw...” 2 Kings 6:17b. Here in this portion of the verse we see that God complies with Elisha’s prayer request and allows his servant a view of what was truly going on outside. What that servant saw can only be described as supernatural travelers. An army of God’s holy angels had surrounded Elisha and his servant, as well as the throng of enemy combatants. This unseen army of angels could overpower the enemy’s soldiers a thousand times over.

 

“…and behold the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.” 2 Kings 6:17c. When we read this in the Hebrew we realize that what Elisha’s servant saw was the hill country that encompassed them was overflowing with an innumerable force of angelic hosts along with their chariots of fire standing at the ready to keep Elisha safe. The servant must have been in awe when God gave him supernatural sight as he beheld the awesome angelic army poised to protect them.

 

Obviously God does not allow most of humanity to physically see into other dimensions, but that is precisely what Elisha’s servant was allowed to view – another dimension. People today have become desensitized to the supernatural. The fact that Satan has been portrayed for so long as having horns, a red suit and a pointed tail, diminishes who he actually is, which by the way is exactly what he wants us to believe. The truth is, Satan can manifest himself as an angel of light and he can do so whenever he chooses. He’s not going to show himself as he truly is, a hideous, monstrous, repulsive, and lying being, as mankind would be revolted by his presence. This is exactly why we are to test all spirits.  

 

More than likely, if a person today were allowed a view into the dimension of the supernatural such as witnessing a host of godly angels with their chariots of fire surrounding a horde of malevolent supernatural predators the rest of humanity would simply say that they had imagined or dreamed it. For most of mankind living in this 21^st century there is no such thing as supernatural beings or other dimensions. 

 

As Elisha’s servant found out early that morning, the supernatural realm is not only real but quite active. The angels that remained faithful to God are hard at work continually staving off the attacks of our enemy and his ilk. We can’t see into other dimensions, as a matter of fact we can only see three of the four we occupy. If we could see into the dimension of the supernatural the view would almost certainly scare us to death.

 

The closeness of other dimensions is much more intimate to the space we occupy than most believe or are able to comprehend. The distance between dimensions is not time based. The supernatural beings that travel between dimensions do so at such speed that if we could gage that speed we would find their journeys occurring in less than in the twinkling of an eye.

 

The Apostles Paul and John were allowed to travel between dimensions. Paul tells us “I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” 2 Corinthians 12:2-4. Paul is speaking of himself. God took him to Heaven, in fact He raptured Paul. The English phrase “caught up” in the Greek is “harpazō”, which is also used when Paul references the Rapture of the “ekklesia”. Paul was allowed to see Paradise, but He was not allowed to describe what He saw. Although we can conjecture all sorts of wonders which Paul was permitted to see, we can’t even scratch the surface of enormity of it all.

 

The Apostle John “ascended” to the Throne Room of God. “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” Revelation 4:1. The phrase “Come up” in the Greek means to ascend. The phrase “a door was opened” we might view as a portal that would break the plane of our dimension and which would enable us to see into that other dimension. Certainly John was given this opportunity and was even taken to that supernatural realm.  

 

“Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.” Matthew 18:10. This is an interesting verse; Jesus tells us that the angels protecting little children are always looking upon the face of our Father in Heaven. Angels are not visible to mankind unless they choose to be. They are in another dimension invisible to the human eye, but they are always with us. I know that’s hard to fathom. If angels are always looking upon God yet they are here on earth protecting us from the enemy, how far away can our Father be?

 

Here’s a true story for all to ponder. When our youngest daughter was born we lived with my wife’s granddad. When he died our daughter, who was around a year old, would stand on the couch and hold out her arms in mid air as though she was giving someone a hug. This occurred numerous times, she and her great-granddad were very close and my wife just assumed she was seeing him (her granddad) and hugging him. Soon, though, the hugs ceased. After becoming a believer I realized there was no way possible our little girl could have been seeing and hugging her great-granddad, after all he was no longer of this earth. Could it be that she was hugging her angel? Was our daughter able to see into another dimension, a dimension in which adults can no longer view? Food for thought. 

 

Most people believe we humans are separated from the realm we refer to as Heaven (the domain of the angels and of God) by some huge span of space, possibly even millions or billions of miles. But dimensions are not separated by miles or even feet, but only by humanity’s lack of ability to see.

 

Dimensional trekking has always been part of the makeup of angels as they’re sent by God to bring messages to mankind. However, the appearing and disappearing of  angels has not been solely limited to God’s holy angelic forces but has actually been a supernatural highway of late, traveled incessantly by malevolent supernatural beings bent on the destruction of mankind. This is more evident now that we are in the last days just prior to our Lords return.

 

These interdimensional activities are increasing as never before. The UFO activity is astounding. Even if you believe they represent travelers from distant galaxies or parallel universes you must admit the sightings are becoming an everyday event. Why? Why do we see this phenomenon increasing so dramatically? What has happened to mankind’s way of thinking that would favor this increased activity into our dimension? It’s a fact that the super majority of the earth’s inhabitants now believe UFO’s are real. With that premise in mind, could it be that mankind is being setup for the next incursion by fallen angels?

 

Now that most believe in UFO’s, and most of those folks believe they are extraterrestrial travelers, the enemy’s next big deception is ready to be unveiled. What that deception is, is only known to him but it has been building to a crescendo for thousands of years. It is a lie that the enemy will focus the world’s attention on just as soon as Christ removes His “ekklesia”.

 

Since mankind is not allowed to view the supernatural dimension, most rely on their own perceptions of truth to get by from day to day. But believing in only what we can see allows the enemy to promote many falsehoods knowing full well that many people will accept them as truth (just one example of Satan’s many lies would be the theory of evolution).

 

It would have been very difficult to deceive Elisha’s servant since his eyes had been opened and he was allowed to see the Lord’s host of angels surrounding him and his master. But the rest of humanity has not been given that same sight, apart from possibly toddlers. Once we move out of that age of innocence, blindness sets in and we can no longer see the angels who stand at our side. But they are there nonetheless.

 

“For we walk by faith, not by sight:” 2 Corinthians 5:7. What happens to mankind once dimensional blindness sets in? The spiritually blind dismiss other dimensions, and especially God, as myth and fairytales.  Is it possible that once we move out of the toddler stage we become vision impaired, hence the reason for walking by faith not by sight?

 

The supernatural realm is extremely active in these last days. There is no doubt that they know something most of earth’s population hasn’t a clue of. As followers of Jesus Christ we do know what’s coming and we would be remiss as true believers and bondservants of Jesus the Christ to simply sit idly by watching while the signs of the birth pangs spoken of by our Lord increase. There must be a sense of conviction on the heart of every believer in Christ—a conviction that we might not have done everything we could for God, and that time is running out. Could it be that just one more attempt at explaining the Gospel message is all a family member or a friend might need to bring them to their knees? Jesus is patiently waiting. The born again will see Him soon. The lost will not, at least not until it’s too late. The Holy Spirit is always working, He never gives up on the living, nor should we.

 

God bless you all,

 

Ron Graham

All original scripture is “theopneustos” God breathed

 

Please continue to pray for my health. Your prayers  are greatly appreciated. 

Jewish Holidays

ALPHA AND OMEGA

ALPHA AND OMEGA

4/5/2012

 

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ…” Revelation 1:1a. Here in the very first verse of the book of Revelation we’re told whose revelation it is. The Geek word “apokalypsis” means a disclosure of truth. Jesus Himself is revealing the truth to us. Almost immediately he explains to the reader the truth of just exactly who He is. “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8. There are many scripture verses throughout the Bible which proclaim Jesus’ deity. Why then do so many of His professed followers dismiss the fact that He is God? For the most part, professing Christians have no problem with Jesus being the Son of God, but when the Son of God says He’s God Almighty (as the verse above plainly states) why is that so hard to believe? We are admonished over and over again to believe on the Son of God for everlasting life. “I and my Father are one” John 10:30. Jesus is not speaking metaphorically here; Jesus and the Father are one and the same God. In a moment you’ll understand why I declare this truth, and why we must believe it.

 

When we first say yes to the Son of God we are, for all intents and purposes, saying “Lord Jesus, I believe every single word of Yours.” The Bible is His word. He is God. He is telling us that He is the beginning and the end of all things. The fact is we must believe everything Jesus says, including all His claims of being God “…that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16b.

 

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Genesis 1:1. This Bible verse, as awesome as it is to read, has a buried meaning. Only by digging into the Hebrew language can that meaning be brought forth into the light of day. In the very first verse of our English translated Bibles we get a glimpse of how the English translation obfuscates the true meaning “…God created the Heaven and the earth”. In my heart, soul, and mind there is nothing to dispute concerning the fact that God did create the Heavens and the earth. When we read our English translated Bibles that verse represents a flowering bud, but when we seek the depth of the meaning of the Hebrew words being used, that same verse grows and becomes as a beautiful spring morning after God has sent the sun’s rays and that bud has opened into an awesome flowering display revealing God’s glory. There is so much more to grasp in that verse when we study the Hebrew words.

 

There’s one word in that verse that stands out above all others, and when fully grasped it will enlighten the reader leading him/her to a new depth of understanding. To me it was one of the highlights of my study of the scriptures when God taught me His deeper meaning of that verse. The Hebrew word for “God” is “'elohiym”. Elohiym is a plural masculine noun; pay attention now, “a disclosure of truth” is about to occur.

 

As we move through the Old Testament we find the word “Elohiym” repeated many times. In the book of Genesis alone the Hebrew word “Elohiym” is used 189 times. In the first chapter of Genesis, God refers to Himself in the plural so that there would be no mistake about the fact that He is a Triune God. In the book of Genesis chapter 1 verse 26, God appears to be speaking to others. Many believe He’s speaking to angels who had already been created in some past era. But that is simply an erroneous interpretation of the Hebrew language. Here’s the conversation “And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” Genesis 1:26a. Again the word used here for God is “Elohiym”. We won’t find in the scriptures where God proclaims that He made the angels in His image nor after His likeness. That being the case, who is God speaking to? It becomes obvious that God is speaking to the other two personages who make up the Trinity.

 

In chapter 46 of Isaiah there is a very interesting statement made by our Triune God. “Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,” Isaiah 46:9. In English we see nothing significantly different in those two uses of the word God. The Hebrew word used in the first part of that verse translated into our English word God is “El” and it is a singular masculine noun. God is telling us that He is only one God. Nothing confusing there. Then God goes on to say “I am God and there is none like me.” This time the Hebrew word for God is the same as in Genesis chapter 1 which is “Elohyim” and, as we’ve already learned, its meaning is plural.

 

So what is God telling us about Himself here in Isaiah? Just this, He is one God “El” who has an ability that no human being can comprehend, that He (Elohyim) can manifest Himself in three different personages. When God says “I am God and there is none like me” He’s putting out a challenge to all the false gods of this world. He and He alone has the ability to manifest Himself as a Triune God – God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. You will encounter many who will dispute this truth because they refuse to believe our Creator God is a triune God. 

 

“I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry:” Isaiah 46:13. Jesus Christ is our Salvation and He is not far off. Within the pages of the Apostle John’s Gospel, we’re told much more about who Jesus is. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” John 5:39. The entire Bible is speaking of Jesus and His deity. From the Hebrew “Elohiym” in Genesis to the “Alpha and Omega” of the book of Revelation Jesus’ deity is declared. Jesus’ own words in chapter 8 of John’s Gospel affirm His Godhood. As He was addressing the people and Pharisees He made a bold statement, “Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58. Jesus was laying claim to the fact that He was that voice that spoke to Moses from the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). Jesus is the Great “I AM”

 

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.” John 1:1-3. Here the Apostle John declares that the “Word” (Jesus the Christ) is God Almighty. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the beginning and the ending. He was with God in the beginning because He is God. All things were made (created) through Him. Jesus Christ is our Creator God. These verses which indicate the attributes belonging to Jesus the Christ are not to be taken lightly, nor should they ever be dismissed as nonessential. “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us…” John 1:14a.

 

Anyone who desires to know Christ must believe in who He is as well as what He did for them. But many people have allowed themselves to be led astray; most of the time it’s our own foolish inclination that keeps us from learning the truth. Many simply sit and listen to a pastor’s sermon every Sunday with their Bibles open on their laps, and to many folks this is more than enough Bible study. Others never even crack open their Bibles; to them seeking the truth for themselves is nonproductive, thus they convince themselves that they have enough biblical knowledge while remaining as ignorant as sheep being led to the slaughter. Anyone who thinks they’ve secured a place in Heaven while ignoring or dismissing the truth of who Jesus is has fallen for a widespread satanic deception which will only lead them into Hell. 

 

The enemy’s lies are abundant and Jesus tells us to be ever vigilant so that we are not deceived. “…Take heed that no man deceive you.” Matthew 24:4b. Deceived by men? Yes, in many cases the deceptions are propagated by men. This same admonishment is presented throughout the New Testament scriptures. Many Bible teachers neglect teaching that Jesus is God, and others simply don’t believe that He is God Almighty; therefore their teaching is horribly flawed.

 

The Apostle Paul exclaims to the Ephesians “Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:6. It must be understood that our Lord Jesus, as well as Paul and the other Apostles, knew that false teachers would arise, and with deceptive techniques they would adversely influence folks. They knew that people are easily swayed and led astray. The Bible teachings of today are, in many cases, grossly replete with errors, and many teach out and out lies. Satan has many willing emissaries among man, especially in these, the last days.

 

“I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last…” Revelation 1:10-11a. John heard Jesus speaking to him and what did he hear first? Jesus declaring His Godhood. The Alpha and the Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. They are significant in that Jesus is using them as a beginning point and an ending point to embody who He is (He’s the first and the last). What He’s saying is that nothing existed before Him and there will be nothing after Him. Jesus Christ has always existed and He will always exist – He is God, and there is only one God.“I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” Revelation 22:13. Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega and He alone holds this title.

 

“For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17. There was no doubt in the Apostle Paul’s mind as to just exactly who Jesus was. Nor should there be any doubt in the mind of a born again believer in Christ as to who Jesus is. 

 

One last verse “I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.” John 8:24. There are many ways in which this current and last generation will reject the Son of God. One way is by attempting to void His deity. Jesus said that He is God; the Pharisees hated Him for who He claimed to be and they continually tried to stone Him. Finally they saw to it that He would die on a cross. God Almighty died for His creation, yet HE IS ALIVE! HE IS RISEN! We’d all do well to believe that truth, as He’s returning soon but for only those of His “ekklesia”. 

 

God bless you all,

 

Ron Graham

All original scripture is “theopneustos” God breathed