The Riches of Christ
By knowing Jesus Christ as our savior, the riches that we true believers already possess are so great as to be without bounds; and far beyond comparison with any known earthly treasures. Yet the issue of earthly riches is a serious one for God’s children, and misunderstanding it will lead to great stumbling.
Unfortunately many people today have fallen for a pleasant sounding gospel which claims that true believers will be rich in material wealth here on earth. Who wouldn’t like that? If this were really true (and believable), the whole world would be converted in no time flat!
This false doctrine is utterly satanic in nature, as we see from the account when Jesus was being tempted by the devil. We find these in Matthew 4:8-9, and in Luke 4:5-7:
And the devil, taking him up into an high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine. Luke 4:5-7
Here we see our adversary the devil being the one to promote with riches and power! I am not saying that rich blessings are always evil. But we need to be wary and discerning as to their nature. Only too many times does wealth corrupt, as we turn our trust to the gift rather than to the giver.
So what exactly does the Word of God (Jesus) say concerning the issue of earthly riches? The popular false doctrine of “health and wealth” was established by: (1) Isolating a small number of verses (2) Changing some key words or phrases (3) Adding meaning by taking the words out of the context (4) Ignoring vast amounts of scripture which contradict the desired viewpoint. In short, it is violating the warning we were given in 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 4:2
All this was forecast in passages such as II Timothy 4:3,4:
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. II Timothy 4:3,4
This is why the Lord has set me as a watchman; to warn those who profess Christ to turn back to the Word of God (KJV only—see Word of God section); in humility with repentance while there is still time to do so.
Let us look at an early reference regarding prosperity:
When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: Lest when thou hast eaten and art full,… Then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God,… And thou say in thine heart, My power and the might of mine hand hath gotten me this wealth. Deuteronomy 8:10-12a…14a…17
In these verses we see plainly how our Heavenly Father wants to bless us in providing for our needs. But the caution He issues clearly also reflects the corrupting power of material wealth. And even as God is sharing all this, He tells us why He is materially blessing Israel;
But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day. Deuteronomy 8:18
It is for the establishment of God’s covenant that He did it. The message of salvation for all of mankind was initially brought through the children of Israel; and the example of God’s relationship with them. In other words, the material prosperity known by the children of Israel was largely, ultimately meant only to promote the name of the Lord Jesus Christ; the only name by which we can be saved! In verses 19-20, God promises Israel destruction; not prosperity, if they forsake Him and His commandments.
Job was blessed with great substance, and he continually walked with the Lord. Yet for a time of testing, it was taken from him in very devastating ways. Job’s heart remained true, and he testifies to the truth in the following:
Will he esteem thy riches? no, not gold, nor all the forces of strength. Job 36:19
God blessed Job for his faithfulness; and has used his life as an example to all believers for thousands of years (Hebrews 11:39,40). God never promises that we will all become wealthy; but instead repeatedly discourages us from seeking worldly gain. It is almost impossible for the rich to be saved (Mark 10:21-27); and Job’s substance was blessed by God because Job served Him sincerely (Job 1:1), and not in order to gain wealth.
God also rewarded Solomon with great riches, because he didn’t ask for them! Solomon’s heart was upright to ask for wisdom and knowledge, to be a good and fair judge over Israel.
In that night did God appear unto Solomon, and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. And Solomon said unto God, Thou hast showed great mercy unto David my father, and hast made me to reign in his stead. Now, O LORD God, let thy promise unto David my father be established: for thou hast made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life; but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honor, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like. II Chronicles 1:7-12
Before continuing, it should be noted that there is no place in scripture where we are told to seek riches! Several places tell us not to, and many places tell us how unimportant material prosperity really is.
Some preachers will instruct their flocks to “give, in order to get.” They cite passages such as the following:
Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it. Malachi 3:10
Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again. Luke 6:38
In light of the entire Word of God, these verses are simply God’s promises for provision when we give as the Lord instructs us to (Proverbs 19:17). If you are giving in order to get, that is clearly wrong motive. If you are a sincere believer who is misled in this teaching, you will simply not receive. God will show you where you fall short as you grow spiritually. Shallow believers may receive gifts from the devil—so beware!
Though we will review many Bible verses concerning riches, I Timothy chapter 6 contains perhaps the most complete teaching on the matter. We do need all of God’s Word for our understanding.
If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. I Timothy 6:3-5
Verse three opens this section; note that it is referring to men who are teaching other than the “wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ” and the “doctrine according to godliness.” The end of verse five touches on our subject matter. It says here that these men suppose “gain is godliness,” and that we are to withdraw from these! Think of all the present day teachers who would be left isolated by their own false doctrines—it is extremely common today for them to teach that believers will become wealthy with earthly riches for their spiritual service. According to God’s Word that is not true (II Timothy 3:16,17)!
Verses six through eight inform us what great gain really is for the believer.
But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. I Timothy 6:6-8
The emphasis here is on contentment; and to be satisfied with our sufficient food and raiment (clothing, shelter). We are again being reminded here (as throughout the Bible) that earthly goods are temporary, and that we will be eternally separated from them when our bodies die.
But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. I Timothy 6:9-11
The passage continues with further warning about coveting riches. The Bible states that it leads to temptations and snares, and into hurtful lusts which will ultimately destroy those which seek them (riches).
Verse ten plainly tells us that “the love of money is the root of all evil.” God’s Word is true! New Age Versions of the Word alter this reading, and it is blasphemous (as are any changes made to the preserved Word of God). I am witnessing more and more the absolute truth of this passage. Those loving money have inflicted great evil on an international scale. A “root” looks vastly different from a “fruit”—so that a visual comparison of the two may not even hint toward a relationship, although they are interconnected! Always believe God’s Word in faith, beyond your ability to see (Hebrews 11:1). Through Jesus Christ (the truth) we have come to know who God is, and that we may (and should) believe Him to the uttermost.
Verse ten also makes it clear that many who have coveted money have “erred from the faith.” Not erred in the faith—the words written plainly show a falling away from a right relationship with God.
These warnings are followed immediately by our further instruction in these matters. “O man of God, flee these things.” What then should we pursue instead of money? “Righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.” Verse twelve states that this is “the good fight of faith” which will “lay hold on eternal life.”
Now we know that God loves all with equality, and desires both the rich and the poor to be saved. But these verses in Timothy reflect the Bible’s position on earthly riches—we are not to covet them, and even to flee from their pursuit. It is extremely difficult for the rich to be truly saved—yet still possible because of God’s infinite power and grace. Jesus addresses this directly from the gospel of Mark:
Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:21-27
(See also Matthew 19:23-24; Luke 18:22-25)
After this passage we see verses that are sometimes quoted to support the earthly riches theory. How likely is it that Jesus would tell His disciples that they would be materially wealthy, when He had just told them how hard it was for the rich to be saved?
And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life. But many that are first shall be last; and the last first. Mark 10:29-31
It is more likely that these “houses and brethren and lands” refer to provision that will come because of the extended body of Christ, and what is shared between them. Such a thing is recorded later in Acts 4:32-35 in regard to the new-born church. Verse thirty shows us that we also will receive persecutions (II Timothy 3:12)!
Later in Timothy chapter six, we again come back to the rich—and those very few who have been saved in spite of their wealth. These instructions are for them.
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; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. I Timothy 6:17-19
The rich are told to distribute and be rich in good works, and are reminded what is of real value in God’s eyes.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus also directly takes the time to address the issue of earthly wealth.
Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21
We are again instructed not to accumulate earthly wealth, but “treasures in heaven.”
The next verses show the importance of being undivided in our service to God—riches definitely interfere with that.
The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:22-24
Most of us have been told that the word mammon means money or riches. While that is a decent synonym, it actually means more than that! Mammon is a reference to a god of riches—which many of us serve unknowingly as a heart idol (see Ezekiel 14:4+). You do not have to be wealthy to be ensnared by “riches.” Being overly obsessed in making ends meet can also come between us and the Lord—we need to trust in Him.
In verses 25-30, Jesus takes the time to reassure us of our worth to God—and encourages us not to worry.
Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Matthew 6:25-30
This section on earthly riches/needs concludes with the instruction (paraphrased), “Don’t worry about the basic necessities—God already knows that you need them, and will provide.” We are to concentrate on the spiritual kingdom of God first, and then all the rest will be provided.
Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof. Matthew 6:31-34
It should again be seen here that God has not promised us earthly riches, or desired that we have them. What He has promised us are the basics; and that really is of great comfort!
I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread. Psalm 37:25
What we really came to here is a matter of faith. No matter how grateful you may be to God for your money, faith becomes limited to the sight of those riches. We mean well! We praise God for our good jobs, health, etc. Yet after this, all that happens is in our hands. It winds up becoming a dependence on ourselves, and not really a trust in the unseen God. Let me explain further, starting with a verse.
Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? James 2:5
To put it another way, let me ask: if you have money, how much do you pray in faith for provision? To have a good job with a health plan, will you pray to be healed? The poorer that we are, the more directly we will turn to God in true faith for Him to provide. The sum of it is why pray, when you can pay? God’s strength is made perfect in weakness, and He delights to prove Himself in and through our lives. This is why the poor of this world are rich in faith.
Our God is really a supplier of needs (Genesis 22:8-14). He will not provide riches just for the sake of riches or pleasure. This is an evident testimony through the lives of His saints, and promised in Philippians 4:19:
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
We can also find other “wealth” promises in the Bible, but you should be cautioned to look at them closely. The context of the verse usually put it into the correct light. For example, you may be told of Job 22:25; “Yea, the almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver.” By itself, it sounds like a promise for financial wealth. But if you place this verse in context, it looks quite different.
Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart. If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles. Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee, and thou shalt pay thy vows. Job 22:21-27
Verse 21: The first general instruction is to acquaint ourselves with God to be at peace (Jeremiah 29:11), and to have good come to us.
Verse 22: Now we are being told how to “acquaint ourselves” with God; we receive (to accept, obey) the law from His mouth (Bible), and lay up (to ponder, meditate on) His words in our hearts.
Verse 23: Here we are told that it is only IF we return to God, that we will be built up (blessed). It tells us to put away iniquity (evil, sin) from where we live.
Verses 24,25: These contain the conditional promise for abundant provision, after we have obeyed the Lord. Within the context of the passage, I really find nothing said in these two verses other than that God will abundantly supply for our every need.
Verse 26: This is again an explanation for our abundant supply: we delight in the Lord, and depend on Him in prayer (lifting up our face to God).
Verse 27: We are blessed because of prayer unto God; and we are expected to pay our vows (holy living).
Hopefully by this one example you can see how vital it is to be sure and examine the whole context of a passage, as well as the messages you will find on the subject all throughout God’s Word.
Another truth the Lord has especially emphasized to me is about waiting for God’s timing. Over and over He tells us to be patient and wait for Him. Luke 8:15 shows that the “good seed” brings forth fruit with patience. Hebrews 12:1,2 tells us to run our spiritual race with patience. Then again we read in Lamentations 3:25-26:
The LORD is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD. Lamentations 3:25-26
In Luke chapter five, Jesus told His soon-to-be disciples to let down their nets for a catch (fishing). Look at the response of Peter:
And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. Luke 5:5
They had toiled all night in their own power, and failed. But when it was time, at the Lord’s instruction, they brought in the big haul! To obediently trust in the Lord and wait for Him, is the key in our service.
The words in Psalms 145:15 are especially meaningful to me, in regard to patience.
The eyes of all wait upon thee; and thou givest them their meat in due season. Psalms 145:15
I would like to particularly emphasize the words “in due season.” This tells me that God hears and answers prayers in just the time they are needed. If it must be right away, it will be! But say we know that a bill is coming, and pray that God will give us funds to pay for it. It may take several days to receive the bill, and perhaps up to another month before it is actually due. Don’t be surprised if your answer holds off until almost the last day! The Lord did this with our oil bill, with the needed funds arriving just two days before I had to mail it. It was therefore a one month (30 day) bill, which waited 26 days until I could mail it—and was received on day 28! Today in America, we want everything right away. We should differ from the world in this as believers. Oh God, teach us to patiently wait for you in faith!
Peace and spiritual rest are great rewards for the follower of Christ. We receive these promises by claiming scriptures like Matthew 11:28-30, John 16:33, I Corinthians 7:15, and Philippians 4:6,7. These promises are simple and straightforward.
We also receive it in the Old Testament in Jeremiah 29:11; a verse often cited by “wealth” preachers. The Word of God (KJV only) declares, “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace…” in the first part of Jeremiah 29:11. The NIV Bible reads “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you…” Is that a difference, or what? God has no plans to prosper us—He has thoughts of peace. The meaning of this verse has been altered to become a more desirable teaching! “Plans to prosper you” is used as a teaching that promises earthly riches. “Thoughts of peace” still infers hardships and growing pains while we are here on earth.
Our obsession with earthly riches is also shown in the parable of the sower (Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8). The seed fallen among the thorns is choked by the “deceitfulness of riches,” as well as the related issues, “cares of this world;” “lusts of things entering in;” and “pleasures of this life.”
So many have also boasted about their “mansion” in heaven! Either they were told, or want to believe, that the mansions spoken of by Jesus in John 14:2 are like the large stately homes owned now only by the rich. The meaning in this verse is clear, as Jesus’ words are “In my Father’s house are many mansions…” This implies a room, not an estate. As one big family; living all together in a single (but vast) home. The word mansion also simply means “dwelling place.” I do hope our love for Christ exceeds our greed! Even myself, a corrupted American, often consider rewards far past what I should. Let us have the mind of Christ, and learn to be content.
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. Philippians 4:11
So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. Luke 17:10
We find another chilling account regarding riches in Luke 16. Please note that this story actually happened; re-told by our creator (Jesus Christ).
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. Luke 16:19-25
This is a strong implication that to be rich in this world is wrong.
He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal. John 12:25
Jesus is even more direct in Luke 6:24:
But woe unto you that are rich! for ye have received your consolation. Luke 6:24
Do not set your heart on earthly wealth. If you have a good increase at times, share with those in need, as a true servant of God (Psalms 62:10).
But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth. I John 3:17,18
It may be frustrating to look at the rich. So often they seem to be carefree in every regard, both materially and spiritually. Satan is the great deceiver in appearances—but God knows the truth, and shows us through His Word. Psalms 73 is given through Asaph, and is a testimony to the deceptive appearance of the rich and the frustration one can feel. Because of obedient servants like Asaph, today we have the complete Word of God to enlighten us. Please read over the whole chapter, as I have skipped some verses for brevity’s sake.
Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men…Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth…Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning…Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. Psalms 73:1-3…5…7-9…12-14…17-22
God’s Word tells us not to seek after wealth, and shows it to be a passing benefit. It shows us that to obey from a pure heart is far better than rich donations! To work and provide for our family’s needs is absolutely right and necessary (I Timothy 5:8); to obtain leisure and luxury is not.
Those who promise earthly riches according to the Word have erred from the faith, and serve another gospel. Do not follow them. Follow the Lord as a faithful steward according to the entire Word of God. Pray about your financial decisions for God’s direction. Do not be ashamed, for He wants you to come (Hebrews 4:15,16)!
Please review the following scriptures for further admonitions in regard to wealth. May the Lord bless you in your studies!
Psalms 37:16, 39:6, 49:6-20, 52:5-7, 62:10; Proverbs 11:4,28, 13:7, 15:16, 16:8, 22:1-4, 23:4,5, 27:24, 28:6,11,20,22; Ecclesiastes 5:12,13, 9:11; Jeremiah 5:27, 9:23, 17:11; Matthew 16:24-26; Mark 12:41-44; Luke 1:53, 12:20,21, 21:34; II Corinthians 6:10, 8:9; Hebrews 11:24-26; James 1:10-12, 5:1-3; Revelation 3:17-19
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the LORD? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain. Proverbs 30:8,9
WARNING: To avoid Satan’s snares and deceptions, return to the pure Word of God; which is the King James Bible. Revised translations are not small word alterations meant to bring clarity! Major doctrinal changes have occurred, which will tend to bring doubt and destroy your faith. To follow these new “versions” of the truth, is to build your spiritual house upon sand, and become as the ones reflected in Matthew 7:21-23. Please use this entire passage, Matthew 7:21-27.
Satan means to deceive you into sincerely following his alternate “truth.” You are really being set up to fall, and serve the antichrist.
Pray and seek God diligently in this matter; for time is short. See also our Word of God section and the section on A Sure Salvation vs. Eternal Security.