Tag Archives: gads

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doct04 Hell and Heaven, Hades, & Paradise

Hell and Heaven with studies on Hades, Paradise, Heaven and the Pit
[d04] v1 ©2005 www.coxtracts.com
You may freely reproduce this tract for non-profit use.

The themes of punishment and judgment are mentioned some 234 times in 264 chapters of the NT. It is interesting that we know more about hell through the teaching of Jesus Christ than any other person or source. It occupied a very important place in the mind of Christ, and he warned those who would listen so that they would avoid that place and the punishment that is there.




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ch41 The marks of a bad minister v1_1

The Marks of a Bad Minister
How to recognize him

How to discern a bad minister
By David Cox
[ch41] v1 ©2011 www.coxtracts.com
You may freely reproduce this tract for non-profit purposes

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Ch41

The Marks of a Bad Minister
How to recognize him
By David Cox

[ch41] v1.1 ©2011, 2024 www.coxtracts.com
You may freely reproduce this tract for non-profit purposes

Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 21 Not everyone 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. 22 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? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 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:

At times, it is difficult to identify who is a true servant of God, and who is not. God has not left us without help in the matter though.

The Marks of an Unsaved Minister

It is interesting that in this minister’s defense before God, (Matthew 7:21-24) that God judged he wasn’t even saved! He defended himself before God in three proposed evidences of his “good minister of God status”: (1) his ability to prophesy, (preach) (2) his power over powers of evil, and (3) his work of miracles and great events. Many in our day want to validate their ministries in a similar fashion. They insist that they are true men of God, exalted ministers of the Highest God, because they have their distinct insight into the mind of God, because their power over demons and evil powers, and most certainly because they impress with what they have done for God, miracles, great works, etc. It is important to note that Jesus in no way tried to contradict what they presented. Perhaps their bragging had some validation in that something notable was on some level accomplished as they claimed. But Jesus’ hard position is that even with signs of great spiritual power; they had nothing to do with God and His Kingdom. Read Matthew 7:21 with great care. The ONLY MARK of a faithful minister is to be always “stuck” on the will of God. “Greatness,” validity, and identification with God is only found in strict obedience to God’s will. Those that exalt God’s will over their own.

Useless Ministers

Matthew 24:48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite [his] fellowservants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looketh not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 And shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

In this passage that deals with various parables on service and the child of God, it is very instructive that the evil “servant of God” goes to hell in the end. So we must open the possibility that many supposed ministers of God, preachers, evangelists, or even pastors that exercise official positions in the church, just are not even saved.

The key factor that indicates their salvation is simply their disposition and attitude towards the will of God. The deceiving hypocrite is he who follows his own will in place of exalting the will of God in his life (and ministry) and doesn’t submit to God. These people always pretend to have “biblical ministries”, and they are experts in rhetoric because “they are biblical” or in giving reasons why they are truly “ministers of God”, but if you listen closely, you will see how lightly they respect the Word of God, or how astutely they twist God’s Word to suit their desires, aspirations, and ambitions. They “use” and abuse the Word of God for their own purposes and are not under its authority. True ministers that please God are people who always rely on the authority of Scripture as their authority, but also as THEIR GUIDE,

Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

Those that cause Division and Desolation

Jeremiah 23:1 Woe be unto the pastors that destroy and scatter the sheep of my pasture! saith the LORD.

One of the principle jobs of the pastor is to gather sheep. This is in one of two forms, both of which fully apply: (1) the evangelization of the unsaved bringing them into the fold (the local church), (2) To visit and encourage members of their church that have stopped coming, to return and actively participate in the church once again. The identifying mark of a fraudulent pastor is that he divides the church by his brutal actions, his cruel attitude, and in general by his style of leadership (way of doing things) which works against gathering and unity. Unity comes because all think alike, and act with the same spirit, carrying the same doctrine. This is not by forceful imposition by authority figures, but by mutual submission to God’s authority.

The good pastor explains the actual text of the Bible, but he also investigates, defines, and insists on the Scriptures ruling over everything the church is and does. The wicked pastor imposes his own will without respect to nor support of Scripture, except some twisted, unclear mental gymnastics. The will of God is grossly abused, mistreated and misrepresented. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 25:34) refers to their days of “slaughter”, which is to die and not live. The sheep ought to have a spiritual life within them, and the good pastor will promote this. The bad pastor destroys and kills this spiritual life among his sheep. He undermines, disrupts, and cuts off this spiritual relationship between believer and God (spiritual death). He takes the place of God in their lives.

Leadership by Force and Imposition

Jeremiah 23:2 Therefore thus saith the LORD God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the LORD. 4 And I will set up shepherds over them which shall feed them: and they shall fear no more, nor be dismayed, neither shall they be lacking, saith the LORD.

The style of ministry of a wicked, ungodly pastor is very particular. He scares people with sharp, loud (notorious) actions with lack courtesy and love towards them. He imposes on the brethren, and his objective isn’t to correct sin, but to impose and ingrain his own authority over the people of God. The idea in verse 4 is that (1) they use fear – which is the anticipation of some bad interaction with the pastor. (2) They cause the sheep to be dismayed, which has the idea of submission by means of dragging or violent force, fear, or confusion. He is marked by his leadership style of cruelty, unthinking actions, and an uncaring attitude towards his sheep, anything as long as they obey him. (3) Be lacking – This word is the opposite of pastoral visitation, where the pastor inspects and then handles whatever need they might have. This is totally and importantly lacking.

Errors and the Erring

Jeremiah 50:6 My people hath been lost sheep: their shepherds have caused them to go astray, they have turned them away [on] the mountains: they have gone from mountain to hill, they have forgotten their resting place.

There is a specific way in which we sheep should walk, and this is the way of God which Jesus showed us. It is to be spiritual, have faith, and depend on God, and is to complete the work of God on earth. A false pastor is somebody who guides the sheep (he is a pastor), but not in the way of God, and this results in a road that isn’t in the will of God.

This kind of pastor doesn’t bring the unsaved into a saving relationship “with the Master” (the bad minister isn’t saved himself), but rather he collects people to obey his rule and authority stolen from God. This wicked pastor isn’t laboring in intercession and prayer for others, nor does he have compassion and love for those in error, sin, or the unsaved. He may be very astute (usually is), but his presentations, teachings, sermons don’t show great insight and understanding into Scripture, rather they are tools to build his empire.

A true man of God is concerned that others submit to God’s will, and rebuke of sin and repentance from sin are regular objectives of their ministry (moral change). The false prophet is greatly disgusted over all this, and he will make false repentance over meaningless issues, and he regularly pleases himself with indulgence into sin of some kind. But his prime objective is that everybody follows his will, nobody can think or discern God’s will except the pastor.

Rather than understanding Scripture for themselves, the wicked pastor confuses the issues that most press against his own personal sins, distracting, detracting from the importance of him repenting of his own sin. He substitutes tradition (“we have always done it this way”), authority of his office (“I am pastor, and I call the shots here”), or he appeals to popularity. A good pastor preaches sermons to himself first, and having repented himself first, and makes it a great sermon for all. You can mark the bad pastor by his drive to change the traditional, New Testament presentation of what “church is” to a modern version that is more accommodating to our tastes. Reverence, worship, and exposition of God’s actual words are replaced with an entertainment type attitude and environment, where “judging and rebuking sin” is not seen nor present except in unbiblical ridiculous ways.

John 6:28 Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? 29 Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.

The work of God focuses on the person of Jesus Christ, our Savior but also in the spiritual image of Christ. We should imitate Christ. Paul presents this command (Ephesians 5:1).

1 Corinthians 11:1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

Philippians 3:17 Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample.

Hebrews 13:7 Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.

Ezekiel 37:24 And David my servant shall be king over them; and they all shall have one shepherd: they shall also walk in my judgments, and observe my statutes, and do them.

“Why” God gives good shepherds “according to the heart of God” (Jeremiah 3:15) to the sheep is so that they can direct the sheep INTO God’s way, God’s will, obeying God. Churches today get involved in all kinds of foolishness except the actual work of God as presented in Scripture, evangelism in the street, prayerful intercession, exposition of Scriptures… A bad pastor will “tend away from these things,” not following Christ’s example.

Feeding themselves

Ezekiel 34:2 Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel…Woe be to the shepherds of Israel that do feed themselves! should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 Ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the wool, ye kill them that are fed: [but] ye feed not the flock. 8 As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely because my flock became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast of the field, because [there was] no shepherd, neither did my shepherds search for my flock, but the shepherds fed themselves, and fed not my flock;

Wicked pastors tend to feed themselves, not entering into personal sacrifice, personal risk or adversity, but they seek the “easy life”. They want others to give them a good economic life, but they don’t do the real work of God the right way. Spiritual fruit and abandonment of sin are not the natural products of their ministry or life.

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Author Pastor David Cox

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ch42 Destitution of Pastor

Destitution of the Pastor

The Destitution of the Pastor

Considerations and Reasons in which the Pastor should leave his office.

By David Cox
[Ch42] v1 ©2011 www.coxtracts.com
You may freely reproduce this tract for non-profit purposes.





The Destitution of a Pastor: considerations and reasons why the pastor should step down

By David Cox

[ch42] v1.1 ©2011, 2024 www.coxtracts.com
You may freely reproduce this tract for non-profit purposes

There are often problems in churches between the pastor and the members. In general, the pastor is the one who governs and leads the church according to what God teaches him. In itself, the concept of a Pastor is to lead (or govern) the flock of God. The Bible does not indicate that the church can remove the Pastor, because it simply does not like a matter that he does, especially when it is of minor importance. But the pastor is not without his duties and responsibilities either. He cannot do whatever he wants. For some, the pastor is “untouchable.” Once he enters, nothing short of God killing him, or the pastor himself resigning that can remove him. But that is not the case.




Is it Biblical to Destitute the Pastor?
(to remove him)

In 1 Timothy 2:11-15; 3:1-7; and Titus 1:5-9, the Apostle Paul explained the requirements for the bishop, who is the one who cares for the church spiritually and governs it. In making requirements, God gives us to understand that (1) not everyone is qualified to be a pastor, and for this reason, there are requirements before entering the office of bishop. (2) if a pastor officiating and ministering as a bishop becomes disqualified, then he must step down from that position and ministry. It is not valid to dismiss the pastor because you do not like something he does. Each person has “his style” of leadership and of doing the ministry and being a pastor. It is his privilege to direct things as he sees fit. The dismissal must come because he does not fulfill his duties, or for reasons of breaking a biblical norm, a biblical example, or not being exemplary (according to what most men of God and more spiritual Christians in the group see). In 1 Timothy 5:19-20, it clearly speaks of an elder’s rebuke openly before everyone, so pastors are not untouchable.

Subject to Requirements 1Timothy 3:2-3

Many times, wolves or immature men can deceive with their cunning, and for this reason, God says that the deacons and the pastor must be tested first, and then exercise their ministry if they are blameless (1 Timothy 3:10), i.e. meet the requirements. Paul put “these also” with the deacons so that we understand that the test is applied to the pastor as well as the deacon. Likewise, in reading Jeremiah (19 times) and Ezekiel (9 times almost all in chapter 34), God rebuked the errors and faults of the shepherds of Israel (the spiritual leaders of the nation). God rebukes them and speaks repeatedly of their dismissal, and that God is going to exchange them for a man of God who would do the will of God.

Jeremiah 3:15 And I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.

1 Peter 5:2 Feed the flock of God… 3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.

The pastor is the local living example of Christ (if not, he should step down). His leadership and ministry are one of demonstrating the will of God by the current and historical example of his own life. That is, before spiritual authority, before teaching or preaching, the pastor teaches and guides BY WHAT HE IS SPIRITUALLY. It is hypocrisy to say, “do as I tell you, not as I personally do.” So, if this is the basis of his ministry, when the pastor does not live correctly, he is not blameless like the example of Christ, he should step down or be dismissed.




The Requirements for Being Pastor

According to 1 Timothy 2:11-15; 3:2, it is expressly forbidden for a woman to serve as a pastor, or to preside, or to lead, or to preach, or to teach before the mixed group (men present) or in the general assembly (in any way speaking and being in front of the group in an official or authoritative capacity) or the church (when men are present). Simply put, the job of pastor-bishop is for men, not women.

It is equally forbidden if the pastor is not or does not continue to be “a one-woman man.” Homosexuals, adulterers, or divorced people are excluded from this ministry. The job of pastor is to teach and counsel the group by word and deed. If he does not live up to biblical standards, he should not enter, and if he should “change his mind” about the standards, he should either leave or be removed. God requires that the pastor “be blameless,” and this means that the pastor is an example of Christ, and has no defects, stains on his testimony, or is of bad report. We all sin, but the pastor must be a man who by his personal life’s achievement in following Christ is qualified to stand before others. He is not given to wine, vices, and addictions, but is free from them.

The Character of the Pastor

Although we can say that it is the privilege of each pastor to lead the group in general as he wants, there are conditions in this as well. First, it is appropriate to use this as a shield to not comply with God’s standards. These standards are obligatory for every believer, whoever he may be, but the pastor must especially manifest submission and obedience to them. The requirement of not being arrogant means not having an attitude of haughtiness, that is, that he is better than others, and does not care about the lives, feelings, or well-being of others. The pastor is there to give the flock the social, emotional, and spiritual support of God. His purpose of being over the flock is exactly this, to take them to a place of spiritual good, and to take care of them there, and any problem that exists, the pastor is there to correct it, to place the brothers in God’s will, or to give comfort if there is nothing else to do (such as the death of a family member). So, the biblical pastor is marked or distinguished from the evil pastor by being prudent and decorous, a host (1 Timothy 3:2). Prudence is saying the right thing, acting in a noble and healthy way, in a way that others see your behavior as the best in the world.




Being of good behavior and hospitable means having your life in order, everything as it should be, and having a “pro-people” attitude and actions. The biblical pastor wins others to Christ and serves the people of God by his attitude and actions of “being by their side” and not against them. Although sometimes the pastor must take the position of the beloved father who scolds his child, he loves, his actions, words, and attitude are always to benefit and edify the people (so that they walk in the will of God), and not to attack and destroy them. God has imposed that pastors live from this work, but the difference between the wolf and the beloved pastor is simply their attitude toward the will of God and the flock. The good shepherd wants to be God’s instrument to bless them and edify them so that they become adults, mature Christians. For this reason, the pastor does not stoop to the whims, tantrums, outbursts of anger, and the chatter of foolish old women. This is also involved with not being a novice (1 Timothy 3:6), but someone who, through his ALREADY ESTABLISHED experience in the ministry, demonstrates his spiritual and emotional stability. Titus 1:7 mentions “not soon angry” or hot-tempered as a character that disqualifies the person, and this is angry, emotionally explosive, always ready for, looking for and liking fights, arguments, and struggles. 1 Timothy 3:3 uses the phrases not a striker and not a brawler, or the concept of not being quarrelsome, which means that it is a person who loves to fight and win over others and to roll in fame and recognition of his superiority from others. The good shepherd is not like that, but he is controlled, demonstrating the way of God, the character of Christ by his own life, and this is the idea of ​​“prudence.”

2 Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, 25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; 26 And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

In 1 Timothy 3:3, Paul specifically states that the person who occupies the place of leader-example of the church must be “gentle, mild.” This means that he is a person with patience, and that he is gentle in his dealings with others, a true “gentleman”. His life demonstrates the gentleness, calmness, and patience of Christ, and if not, then he should not enter, nor should he remain as a shepherd. Isaiah 40:11 also refers to this gentleness and mildness that should be the norm between shepherd and sheep.




Greedy Dogs and Insatiable

Isaiah 56:11 Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, everyone for his gain, from his quarter.

Furthermore, the Bible emphasizes time and time again that the false prophet always has his eye on money and how he can reap what is not rightfully his, and the man of God is a person “not greedy of dishonest gain” (1 Timothy 3:3; Titus 1:7).

How do you remove this a Bad Pastor?

There are two possibilities here, the nice way, and the ugly way. The Nice Way. When a Christian who has a viable and living relationship with Jesus Christ as his Savior enters the position of pastor of a church, and he falls into sin, or lets his testimony fall, or becomes bitter in his attitude, he by himself, by his own conscience, will want to step down from being a pastor so as not to tarnish the name of his Savior.

1 Peter 2:11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul; 12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

The true Christian cares a lot about how his life reflects on his Savior. Because of stains in his testimony (his way of living), others do not come to Christ, or they stumble over his bad testimony, and this should be a strong motive in any Christian not to fall into sin, and if he does fall, to correct his life quickly, and not to occupy places of prominence during or after his sin or bad testimony.

The bad way. Unfortunately, the wolf does not care about any of this, and simply his hold on power over the church and the brethren is exactly like a dog with a bone. You are going to have an ugly fight if you try to take away his prize. (This is why the process of selecting a pastor must take its time, be a calm, quiet process, and understanding the requirements and praying over them and each possible candidate before anything formal and permanent is done.) The only thing that causes a dog to give up his bone is a strong blow to the head with the shepherd’s staff. This is why they used this staff. They will defend “their prize” with vengeance. It will be a challenge to “touch not God’s anointed” (See my tract of this same title, Ch26).

Titus 1:13 This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith.

God wants us to rebuke the erring Christan sharply at times to bring about spiritual healing in our lives and churches. Unfortunately, at times, even pastors get out of line. The more spiritual men of the church should speak strongly to the pastor to remove him if he does not fulfill his duties and requirements. Strong words of exhortation and encouragement should be given (constantly) before a removal process is begun. The pastor needs to know that his people are not ignorant of the image of Christ we all must bow before, and that they are aware of the pastor’s testimony (good or bad).

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Author Pastor David Cox

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pent02 Spiritual Baptism: baptism in the Holy Spirit

Spiritual Baptism: The Baptism in the Holy Spirit
By David Cox
[pent02] v1 ©2005 www.coxtracts.com
This tract can be freely photocopied and reprinted

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When? What is it? Who does it? Requirements? The Earnest, It is not speaking in Tongues.




The Spirit in the Old Testament

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon and left individuals. Samson (Judges 14:6, 19; 15:14), Saul (1 Sam 10:6, 10), Ezekiel (Eze. 11:5) all had the Holy Spirit come upon them to fill them for a service to God. Few believers had the Holy Spirit “in” them (Eze. 2:2; 3:24) even though King David had the Spirit always in him (1 Sam 16:13). Even so David felt that God had cut fellowship with him when David walked in sin. Psalm 51.11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.

Also, the Spirit of God is that which fights against sin within man. Isaiah 63:10 But they rebelled, and vexed (angered) his Holy Spirit: therefore he was turned to be their enemy, and he fought against them. Genesis 6:3 And the Lord said, My Spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh… (Acts 7:51). Continue reading →

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pc21 God hears only the Contrite

God hears only the Contrite
By David Cox

[PC21] v3 2018
www.coxtracts.com/pc21
This brochure can be freely photocopied and printed

In God hears the contrite, we examine the problem of why God does not hear some prayers, but actually, He does hear, but he doesn’t act on those prayers. This is because of the attitude and life of the person praying, he is arrogant and not contrite and humble. TOPICS: My will or God’s will? | God does not tolerate Arrogant People | How to get my request? | Mercy is Essential | The Spiritual war over kneeling




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pent04 Modern tongues speaking

Modern Tongues Speaking
Why we do not practice or endorse modern Speaking in Tongues
[pent04] v1 ©2005 www.coxtracts.com
This tract may be downloaded (above) and freely printed.

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




Their Accusation against Us

If we are people who truly follow the Bible to the setter of the law, then some accuse us by saying, “Why don’t you speak in tongues like they did in the Bible?” We will reaffirm first off that we do follow literally the Bible, except when there is obviously a reason to not follow it like in the case of King David’s adultery. That was not given for us to follow as an example. We also understand that some activities are limited and temporal, such as the sacrifice of animals on the altar in the temple. Hebrews explains that this has ceased for New Testament believers.

The principal problem with modern tongues speaking is (1) they do not define biblically what is tongues speaking, (2) they do not practice what they claim is tongues according to the rules set out by God.




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pc16 Why Christians shouldn’t use drugs?

In pc16 Why Christians shouldn’t use drugs? we examine what is a biblical position about hallucinogenic drug use. The Bible condemns this kind of drug use as being a doorway to the demonic world. It is regularly used in witchcraft and wicked, pagan religions to “communicate with the spirits”, and we offer help in the form of Bible verses to break the addiction to drugs.

Why Christians shouldn’t use drugs?
By David Cox
[PC16] v1 ©2008 www.coxtracts.com
This tract can be freely reproduced for non-profit use.

See Drugs and Theology




All things are lawful unto me,
but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. 1Cor 6:12

It is very sad to see that the use of hallucinogenic drugs is already very common, even among some Christians. Let me clarify and limit this tract to illegal drugs, those not with a doctor’s prescription for a disease. When a doctor prescribes aspirin for a headache, this drug is legitimate and restores health. This tract deals with illegal drug use for recreational and entertainment purposes.

Two out of every 3 young people in high school have tried an illegal drug before they graduate. If we consider alcohol as a drug (and it is), then this rate rises to 90%. 30% have tried a drug stronger than marihuana. The first cause of death among youth 15 to 24 is drunk driving. Continue reading →

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salv02 Now that you have Believed

Now that you have Believed

By David Cox
[sal02] V2 ©2006 www.coxtracts.com
This tract may be freely photocopied.

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First steps for the new believer

(1) You should read and study the Bible daily.
(2) You should pray to God daily.
(3) You should be baptized in a good church.
(4) You should assemble in a good church.
(5) You should participate in the work of God.
(6) You should shun sinful habits.
(7) You should seek to serve God.
(8) You should honor God with your money by tithing.

Many new Christians begin to faint in the first steps of their Christian life. There are always hard times, but you should not give up. The dedication in your soul should be set to go ahead with God and with the things of God, and this is more important than anything else in your life. Put the priority of your life in God and the church. At times some people can hurt you very much, and at times it may even be a Christian brother or your own church. But you need to keep your vision set on Christ, not on men. Follow Christ no matter what the rest does.




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salv31 Easy-Believism

By David Cox
[salv31] v1 ©2012 www.coxtracts.com
You may freely photocopy, print, or reproduce this tract for non-profit purposes


Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Luke 13:23-24

Easy believism proposes that salvation is given by God on the sole criteria of a public declaration of faith in the promises of God and without any real change in the life of the saved (as seen in repentance). It is identified by its presentation of the gospel “without any difficulties in entering” and “without any obligations or responsibilities after one is saved.” This position doesn’t take into account the “difficultness” of entering heaven (Mt 19:24) nor the obstacle of coveting riches “afterward” which revealed unsavedness (Mark 10:24), or the young rich man who wanted salvation but didn’t get it because riches was above Christ (Mark 10:17-22). Wide is door to hell, but narrow and difficult is the entrance into heaven, so few find heaven (Mt 7:13). Christ demands simpleness as a child (Mt 18:3).

What is “Easy-Believism”?

Eph 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.

What does this passage really teach? The context is the leaving “the course (current) of this word” (2:2) which we followed before being saved, and which we left to follow Christ. It speaks of communion with God which sin breaks. The Bible very clearly affirms that we are not saved by works of righteousness that WE have done (Titus 3:5), but that salvation is a gift, which is grace or mercy on God’s part. When we speak of how we obtain salvation, it is only through faith. It is the gift of God (grace) which is not something that we deserve or buy by means of good works. Our part in obtaining this gift of God is 1) repentance of our sins (Luke 13:5 …except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.) 2) Putting our faith or confidence in the spiritual work of Jesus Christ dying in the cross to pay the punishment of God on sin. Salvation comes from God (not “from us”), but God does not give salvation to everybody, but only to those which abandon (repentance) these forms, ideas, and previous beliefs about how they are just, how they can get to heaven, and how to be saved. God saves those that trust in what God has provided as the means (Jesus dying for your sin on the Cross of Calvary). Repentance is not always mentioned as clearly as faith because really it is the same thing as faith in Jesus Christ. We abandon (repent of) what we formerly believed in order to believe in Jesus as the solution. Faith and repentance are “two sides of the same coin”. Easy believism is a lack of focus on repentance (leaving off sinning) leaving the person simply asking for salvation in order to be saved.

The Need of Evidence for your Faith

Jas 2:17 Even so faith, if it hath not works (evidence), is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Many confuse these elements. The cults and false religions hold that you have to have “good works” in order to be saved, and they present salvation as a scale with sin on one side and good works on the other. But there is no good work that can cancel the punishment for even one single sin. What James is referring to here is that true faith will always have a force behind it that produces good works (evidence) within the Christian’s life. We should understand faith causes salvation in us, and good works do not have that capacity. Understanding this base, then we go on with faith is made valid and real by changes that it has produces in our life.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.

Salvation is a drastic change of life, in which Jesus defined eternal life with a necessary spiritual change of life (be born again). Salvation is never a repeating of a prayer, but it is always faith, believing in, and public confessing Jesus by words and deeds. Easy believism focuses on the benefit of being saved (going to heaven), but does not explain nor present emphatically the responsibilities of salvation. It is called “easy believism” because there are no obligations on the person wanting salvation, distorting true salvation of God.

Salvation is a Relationship

John 17:3 And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent.

Salvation is a relationship with God (specifically with Jesus Christ as your Savior) similar to how a man would have a relationship with his wife, so “we have the Son” (1Jn 5:11-12). Whoever has this relationship has eternal life, and he that does not “have” Jesus Christ, is not saved and under eternal damnation. Salvation is a gift of God that God gives us, but it also is a personal relationship between us and Jesus. The grave error of easy believism is to minimize this part of salvation which is our relationship with God, and the truth that our continuing sin embitters and ruins this love relationship with God. This relationship is established on Jesus “who paid the price on the cross” to remove the wrath of God against our personal sins. But the salvation of God is “from sin”, and then “our request to God for salvation from sin and its punishment” is also our declaration of war against our sin, and our renouncing and denouncing of sin IN OUR INDIVIDUAL LIFE, or in other words, our desire to free ourselves from sin (actually and the judicially, or from the penalty of sin), as well as freeing ourselves from the consequences (going to hell). In easy believism, they believe that the participation of the individual in not sinning (sanctification) is something of a miracle of God without their participation or effort in any way entering in. They think God will somehow remove their actual sins without their obedience.

2Thess 1:7 …when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, 8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Paul’s observation is that those who know not God and obey not the Gospel are unsaved. The gospel is a declaration of war against sin (repentance being the correct concept). “We obey” the gospel, then the gospel is something “we do”.

Is it Easy to be Saved?

Luke 13:24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. 

Really, yes it is easy to be saved, because it is simply confiding in what God has said (promised) and done. But at the same time, it is not easy, rather very difficult, because one has to leave (repent of) his ideas and will. Because of the faithful character of God,  He is easy to trust and believe. But the Bible teaches us that of the many who will try to enter into heaven, using their own ideas and concepts, these won’t make it. Only those who follow God and what he teaches will enter although entering is difficult.

1John 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.  

What is very clear in all of this is that a person that really is saved has to turn over his will (repentance) to do the will of God, which his faith belief is that this is better and authoritative. He has to trust the superior wisdom of God as the moral pattern for life (which is seen in the person and personality of Jesus Christ, which is the morality or spirituality taught in Scripture). This is abandoning our former life to “follow Christ”.

Numbers, Numbers, Numbers

1Thess 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 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. 5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others…

In order for easy-believism to be popular with supposed Christians, they seek to show their approval by God. They really are seeking the glory of men for themselves. They use flattering words so as to gather many people into large churches and have a large income from this (hidden covetousness). Another sign is the demanding of external signs if a person “follows Christ”, and they boast of so many receiving Christ. They water down the gospel so as really to promote another gospel (Gal 1:6-9) seen by their zeal for bigness and a popular acceptance. In Mat 7:15-23, Jesus warned us of those who would construct ministries with great shows of glory and “spiritual power”, even power over demons, but Jesus gave us the key, by their fruits ye shall know them. Christ also required that all men show forth fruits worthy of repentance (Mat 3:8) which is a holy life full of good works.

Acts 26:20 But shewed first unto them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance. The gospel that the apostles preached was a simple presentation of salvation, but one that included faith and repentance that produce works worthy of salvation.

Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate. The apostles refused persons proclaiming to be saved but never had the spiritual change (a new birth) in their life.

1John 1:6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin.

Lord, Are there few that are Saved?

Luke 13:23 Then said one unto him, Lord, are there few that be saved? And he said unto them, 24 Strive to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able. Jesus taught that salvation is involved with a spiritual battle on our part. Even though God does not make salvation impossible, neither is it “easy.”

Luke 14:26-27 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. 27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. 33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple.

In other words, we can follow Christ and be saved, but it is not an easy road without great effort on our part. The road is one of great personal sacrifice, and this is how we should present the gospel.