A Terrifying Thought
A subject that I have considered many times in the past is that of the perception of false believers that they are saved, when in deed they are not. I mean can anything be more terrifying than to reach the end of one’s life having believed that you have avoided hell as you prepare to walk through its gates (please forgive the hyperbole).

There are certain verses that have terrified some to death, such as Matthew 7:21-23, which is where Jesus states:

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 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? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

Eternal Security
This is something to consider, these individuals prophesied, cast out devils and did miracles, all “in thy name [which would be “in Jesus’ name,” hereafter referred to based upon the grammar],” yet they were false believers who were unsaved. Concerning the issue of Eternal Security, I take great comfort that Jesus states, “I never knew you,” putting to rest the idea that these individuals were once saved, then lost their salvation.  What this means is that these individuals were never saved to begin with, as He never knew them, He never had a relationship with them; they did not lose what they never had in the first place.

Evildoers
Yet further, He states that they “work iniquity,” as if this is their foundational point of identity – they didn’t work goodness, they didn’t do some good and some bad; they always habitually did evil.  We get this insight from the grammar wherein the word “work” is a verb that is in the present tense, middle or passive deponent voice, participle mood, normative case, plural number, and masculine gender.  The present tense means that the action being done never stops, it is continuous.  Middle/Passive Voice – as a deponent verb is almost always translated as being in the active voice, which means that the subject (person) that’s been spoken of is the one doing the action.  We see from the mood and the case that the evil spoken of is laborious actions which are habitual behaviors; they are not singular in nature, but repetitive.

These individuals are marked by their habitual behavior of doing evil.

This is further indicated and verified because of the preceding verses in Matthew 7:15-20 which addresses the issue of false prophets, and concludes with verse 20 stating:

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them,” which is the Segway to the passage at hand.

So the first sense of relief that we should experience as believers is that these false believers were readily recognizable according to their behavior. Therefore, you and I as believers have this anchor to secure our confidence concerning our own individual salvation, are we workers of iniquity to the extent that all we do is evil, never stopping, to the extent that it is the identifying trait concerning our destiny, or as Jesus states further down this chapter, do we do the things that Jesus says to do as seen in Matthew 7:24, which states:

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock”

This seems to be the conclusion Jesus is aiming at, that wise men: “heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them.”

The Best Example of the Worst False Believers
Matthew 7:15 is the famous verse concerning the Pharisees which states:

“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

We see these professional fakers who on the outside appeared to be as a believers (sheep), yet inside were completely the opposite of their pretense – even worst yet they were predators (wolves), feeding off of others.

However, the pretense is unmasked when you look at the true nature of their behavior.

We need to understand that there is a recognizable difference between religious behavior (acting, not doing – faking, not behaving), and righteous behavior (doing what Christ said as a saved believer, walking in Jesus’ righteousness).  It is this sense of hypocrisy, this disconnect between what is said, and what is done that we need to examine within our own lives, yet not unto condemnation – if we are God’s child, but unto correction by the Holy Spirit.  Concerning this disconnect between what is said and what done, we see Jesus’ words as recorded in Matthew 23:1-4:

“Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not ye after their works: for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.”

Here Jesus points out the difference between religious behavior and (Christian) righteous behavior.  Religious behavior, that of following a belief system other than Christianity is easily recognized in that it presents a formula, set of rules, and doctrines; are grievous to the participants.  Whereas (Christian) righteous behavior is based upon the following and doing what Jesus says, and what the Holy Spirit has communicated in the New Testament.  What we see from the above passage concerning the Pharisees (those religious teachers of the Torah), was that they were to teach the Torah, “the Law” of God; in a way which it would be a schoolmaster to bring man to the understanding of their sinfulness as stated in Galatians 3:24-25. The Law is a representation of God Himself, and is always good. Yet, the Pharisees took the Law of God and interpreted it into rules that appeared to solely deal with the outward behavior, while avoiding the inward nature of sin (Matthew 23:25).

Sin – An inside Job
However, the evil that lives within these men, the Pharisees displays itself in their behavior in how they would use the law for their own means.  They would interpret the Law in such a way that they thought they were hiding their sin, yet it was readily apparent that they were using the Law for their own means.

Let’s take one example.  Matthew 15:1-9, states:

“Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread. But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? For God commanded, saying, Honour thy father and mother: and, He that curseth father or mother, let him die the death. But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; And honour not his father or his mother, he shall be free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias prophesy of you, saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.”

Warren Wiersbe states concerning this:

“The Pharisees were blind to the true values of life. Their priorities were confused. They would take an oath and use some sacred object to substantiate that oath — the gold in the temple, for example, or the gift on the altar. But they would not swear by the temple itself or the altar. It was the temple that sanctified the gold and the altar that sanctified the gift. They were leaving God out of their priorities.”

Jesus knew that the Pharisees wanted both the gold and the gifts on the altar. This is why the Pharisees practiced “Corban” — anything dedicated to God could not be used for others (Matthew 15:1-9; Mark 7:10-13). These men were not seeking for the righteousness of God; they were greedy for gain. They worked out a “religious system” that permitted them to rob God and others and still maintain their reputations.

This practice referred to as “Corban” was the practice of taking one’s fortune, their money and saying it was dedicated to the temple so that if their parents who were destitute and needed financial help, they could avoid giving up any funds, even though the Torah demanded that they take care of their parents.  But they were the ones that decided how the money would be spent as it was dedicated to the temple, yet used for their own personal pleasure.  They found a way to use the Law and twist it according to their own sinful hearts.

This is why Jesus said concerning the observance of the written law to do what they stated concerning the law its self, yet NOT follow their works – their behaviors; because: “they say, and do not.”

Now Back to the Original Text
The individuals Jesus referred to as having prophesied, casting out devils, and doing many wonderful works; were never saved, yet we also must notice that Jesus did not correct them and state that they were lying, He does not dispute that they did the things that they claimed.  In fact if these individuals were lying, then to allow them to make the statements without correcting them would lead to a falsehood which Jesus would never do, therefore it would appear that what they stated was true; that they did make prophesies “in Jesus’ name,” (for those that missed the prior comment concerning to “in thy name,” what this is stating is that these individuals did those things “in Jesus’ name;” which would be hereafter referred to based upon the grammar) and did many wonderful works “in Jesus’ name,” and cast out devils “in Jesus’ name.”

In Jesus’ Name
Notice what it does not say.  It doesn’t say that they simply prophesied, but that they prophesied “in Jesus’ name.”  They didn’t do these things in the name of some other deity, or in the name of their church, or some occultic movement or any other contrivance; they did it the same way that true followers of Christ would do it, “in Jesus’ name.”  This is probably the reason why they appeared to be Christians, they acted like Christians would, using the same terms and expressions, and on top of that they did (appeared to do) miracles, or displayed what appeared to be Spiritual gifts.

False Advertising
There is one group of spiritual leader who does wonders “in Jesus’ name,” faith teachers, who claim to have the gift of healing. I am speaking about those false teachers that distort the doctrine of faith, falsely claim to heal individuals; when in reality it was the individual’s faith that was the reason that God healed them – it was because of their faith that God responded by healing them (and there are many schemes that these fraudulent wolves use to appear to do miracles, which are no miracle at all.  See Endnote #1).  These false teachers make merchandise (2 Pet. 2:1-3) of many people, all in the name of the Lord.

We’re told in second Corinthians 5:7:

“For we walk by faith, not by sight”

However, how many Christians are fooled by miracles.  Satan has power that God did not strip him of when God casted him to the earth.  The priest of Pharaoh during the Exodus performed the miracle of turning their staffs into snakes, replicating Moses miracle.  The text does not indicate that there was chicanery involved, but that there were real miracles (Exodus 7:12).  Or Jesus warning concerning the great signs and wonders that will be used by “false Christs” and “false prophets” (Matthew 24:24).  Or the miracles performed by the false prophet as stated in Revelation 13:11-14.

The point is, miracles are not a sign of piety, righteousness, or stamp of the acceptance of God.  Yet, within the church world how easily believers are deceived according to the sight of their eyes.

Healing From a Good Father
God is such a good Father that if a believer seeks a healing, God might still choose to heal that person even if a false prophet would claim credit for it – this is the behavior of a good Father who cares about the child more than how a false prophet appears – yet God also knows that in time He will repay. Miracles are not performed at the hand of the false faith teachers, or even an individual with a gift of healing, miracles are always done by God; not man.

Lord, Lord
There is one other observation I would like to make concerning this passage before we conclude.  Notice that when these individuals are addressing Jesus they state: “Lord, Lord.”  Now I am one of those individuals that believes that every word in the Bible is there for reason, so my question is why the double reference.

Why this emphasis by repeating Christ’s sovereign title “Lord,” was it an empty platitude, or was it from fear?  Because they either knew or thought that they might be in trouble, or that they had done something wrong.  Were they aware that they were manipulating God, misusing functions meant to be used for God’s glory, only for themselves and their own vainglory?  Was it that they were unsure, so they repeatedly displayed submission?

The reason I suggest these potential negative aspects of this repeated reference to Jesus as “Lord, Lord,” is that the few references of the use of this double platitude in the New Testament, there is a negative connotation concerning the persons speaking.  This expression is found five times in the gospels, which are:

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 7:21)

“Many will say to me in that day,  Lord, Lord, we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?” (Matthew 7:22)

“Afterward came also the other virgins, saying,  Lord, Lord, open to us.” (Matthew 25:11)

“And why call ye me,  Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46)

“When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying,  Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:”  (Luke 13:25)

What is remarkable is that in each one of these 5 passages, which refers to 3 different situations, the first two concerning false believers claiming to be believers, the next one concerning the 5 unprepared virgins, the next concerning those that do not do what Jesus says, and the last one where Jesus speaks about those that don’t make it into His kingdom.

Submission without Obligation
In each one of these situations, the individuals using this term appear to show submission; yet, in reality they have offended the One they call Lord.  There are two words which never go together; no, and Lord.

To be honest with you, if I was standing before the Lord, I understand the desire to display submission; but disputing with the Lord, justifying myself.  If He is God and perfect; how can I ever disagree?  I would be on my face begging forgiveness – even if I knew it would not work, what else would a person who believes in God do.  Of course, a person that believes the things I do about God based upon His Word (see Endnote #2 concerning the authority of God’s Word, and the preeminence of Jesus as Lord), would not treat God the way these guys do, using God to gain credibility for them selves – a true believer loves, but also fears God too much to do the things that these false believers do.

In law enforcement when someone display overt submission like this, it is considered a “tell,” they overplay their role, they display too much submission to the one in authority because they know that they have been busted, and seek to win favor or trust.  So did these individuals display that they were REAL followers of Christ?  Did they not only hear His words, but do them?  Or if not, did their behavior display their knowledge that they were not true followers?

The Repeatables of God
One of the things I love about our heavenly Father, which is reflected in His Book; is that if there is danger, He doesn’t simply warn us once, demanding that we pay close attention in fear of coming so close to danger. No, He repeats those things that are important, and gives multiple warnings in different ways in order that we would have the utmost admonition.

What relieved my fears concerning the possibility of an individual believing their saved, while not; and that I might, or those that I love might fall into this type of folly; was going back to God’s Word and seeing what He has repetitiously stated.

It is the verse just prior to our proof text, Matthew 7:20 that help bring this relief.

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.” 

Conclusion
In our proof text, Christ’s words concerning these false believers only capable of doing works which are evil, without stop – continuously; this identifies these individuals.  It is their choice to close their eyes, to choose to be deceived (2 Timothy 3:13).  And the five versus prior to this (Matthew 7:15-20) wherein Jesus paints a picture concerning the difference in good works and bad works, is as easily seen as the difference between thorns and grapes (Matthew 7:16).  As God has said in His Word:

“Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?”  (1 John 5:1-5)

As I have stated before:

“Of the seven things that Jesus said from the cross, the last thing was “Tetélestai.”  And while the King James translates it “it is finished,” there is greater nuance to the word than this.  The fuller translation is “paid in full.”  And while many non-believers have said that Jesus finished His life, or finished His teaching, or finished His mission, or finished speaking; however, none of these are the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It was Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection (which is specifically defined in 1 Cor. 15:1-3); which was for the propitiation of our sins that is the Gospel.  And it was as Jesus was dying on the cross that He announced He had finished completely what God had given Him to do, by “paying in full”, that which was required.

I did not earn my salvation, and you did not earn your salvation as well, not one little bit; you and I did not contribute anything to our own salvation, HE PAID ALL!  Therefore, we cannot lose our salvation.  Because, we cannot lose what we did not gain in the first place, any more than we can maintain what we have no power to grasp to as well.  I repeat – the point is Jesus did it all and we can do nothing to add to it, and therefore what can we do to lose what we did not purchase:  nothing!”

Therefore, in the final analysis it all comes down to a question of God’s integrity according to His promises and declarations as found in His Word.

“Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.” (1 Peter 1:23)

Endnote
1. False Teachers – A few years ago the news show: “60 Minutes,” as well as some professionals in the field, investigated some of the common practices of supposed “Faith Healers” and exposed some of their deceptions. The most famous of these, Peter Popoff who while sanding on the stage stated that God was telling him information about a participant in the audience, while he was being given instructions through an earpiece from his wife who is stationed at a computer reading from a card that the attendee had filled out prior to the service. There was no mistaking the open deception that this charlatan was committing upon believers. Among many of the cons that were perpetrated by this and many other supposed “Faith Healers” were the following. Up until an hour before the event, ministry members would be stationed in front of the events center greeting individuals who would come early, filling out supposed prayer request which were actually tools to document information that would later be used as if the healing evangelist would hear this personal information from God Himself. The evangelist was aware that individuals that came early were susceptible to their cons, and they would utilize this vulnerability to their own ends. Ministry members would offer wheelchairs to those that had problems walking, then wheel them up to the very front of the auditorium in front of the seated congregation. The evangelist would go forward, have a word from the Lord, then approach one of these individuals and state, “rise and be healed,” at which point they would grab the individual in the wheelchair by the hand and coax them to stand up. What appeared to be a miracle to the audience was simply an elaborate sham, and due to the susceptibility of the individuals, they would never speak up and openly challenge the presentation. If anything else it would later be marked up to a misunderstanding. These types of “wolves in sheep’s clothing” feed off the vulnerabilities and susceptibilities of innocent believers and perpetrate their fraud within the Christian community.

2.  The Word of God – It’s Authority

Isaiah 55:10-11 – “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it”.

1 Corinthians 2:13 – “Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual.”

1 Corinthians 14:37 – “If any man think himself to be a prophet, or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the commandments of the Lord.”

2 Corinthians 5:19-20 – “To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation.  Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God.”

1 Thessalonians 2:4 – “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.”

1 Thessalonians 2:13 – “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.”

2 Thessalonians 2:14-15 – “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.”

1 Timothy 4:1 – “Let a man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.”

2 Timothy 3:16 – “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”

1 Peter 1:25 – “But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.”

2 Peter 3:1-2 – “This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance: That ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour”

2 Peter 3:15-16 – “And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; 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 are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.”

Jude 1:3 – “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

Revelation 1:1-3 – “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent as and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.  Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.”

Revelation 22:9-10 – “Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.  And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.”

Revelation 22:18 – “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:”

Word of God – Exhortations Concerning itself

Deuteronomy 4:2 – “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.”

Deuteronomy 11:18-20 – “Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes.  And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.  And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates”

Psalms 119:11 – “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”

Psalms 119:98-105 – “Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.  I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.  I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.  I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.  I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.  How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!  Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.  Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

Psalms 138:2 – “I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy word above all thy name.”

Proverbs 25:2 – “It is the glory of God to conceal a thing: but the honour of kings is to search out a matter.”

Isaiah 28:10 – “For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little”

Hosea 12:10 – “I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets.”

Amos 3:7 – “Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.”

Matthew 15:6 – “…Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition.”

Acts 20:27 – “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.”

Romans 15:4 – “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.”

Hebrews 4:12-13 – “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

1 Corinthians 1:20-21 – “Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.”

1 Corinthians 9:22 – “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.”

2 Corinthians 4:5-7 –  “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.   But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 – “But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.”

1 Timothy 6:20-21 – “O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen.”

2 Timothy 2:2 – “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.”

2 Timothy 2:15 – “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

Titus 1:4 – “To Titus, mine own son after the common faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour.”

1 Peter 1:23 – “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.”

2 Peter 1:3-4 – “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:  Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

2 Peter 1:20 – “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.”

Jude 1:3 – “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.”

Revelation 22:18-19 – “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

Word of God – Jesus’ Preeminence in the NT

Matthew 5:18 – “Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets.  I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.  For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.” 

Luke 24:27 – “And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.”

Luke 24:47-47 – “Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures. Then He said to them, “Thus it is written, and thus it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, “and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”

John 5:39 – “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.”

Acts 8:35 – “Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture [Isaiah 53:7], and preached unto him Jesus.”

Acts 26:22-23 – “Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:  That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.”

Acts 28:23 – “And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.”

Romans 1:1-3 – “Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead.” 

Hebrews 1:1-3 – “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom he made the universe.  The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.  After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.” 

Hebrews 10:7 – “Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God.

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