Reward to those who do(surpass) the commandments: Rev 22:14

Reward to those who do(surpass) the (Ten) Commandments: Rev 22:14

• Right to the tree of life
• Right to enter in through the gates into the city
• Shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven (Mat 5:18)

Believe it or not, there would be believers in heaven that indeed were saved but have no reward.

• No right to the tree of life
• No right to enter to the city of God
• Shall be called least in the kingdom of God.

Do the (Ten)Commandments now, Now, NOW.

Work Out Your Salvation

“Work out your salvation” mean only one thing and that is all about the surpassing of the Law which is the Ten Commandments. God requires us to give importance even the least part of the law and surpass them (Mat 5:17-20). And the words’ “surpassing the law” implies the following:

1. Work (surpass the Law) continuously until the “sting of death” which is sin (I hate to do but I do) reigning and dominating in the members of the body were completely removed.

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Rom 6:12-13)

For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. (Rom 8:13)

2. Work (surpass the Law) continuously until the members of the body (the whole body) is saved from the danger of the fire of hell.

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (Mar 9:43-48)

3. Work (surpass the Law) continuously until you are saved from the coming judgment that shall begin in the house of God.

For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? (1Pe 4:1718)

Time will come that judgment (in full extent) will begin in the house of God. Just like of what happened to Ananias and Saphira who received a fatal judgment because of lying. On that time all sin hidden and did in secret shall be revealed. Judgments are the means whereby God will purify the church (the Bride) before Christ (the Groom) return.

4. Work (surpass the Law) continuously until the written Word become a personal living Word.

A person who is a hearer of the Word and not a Doer is not saved.

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. (Jas 1:21-25)

Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: (2Co 3:2)

5. Work (surpass the Law) until those “things that must be overcome” were totally overcomes.

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. (Rev 2:5)

The seven churches mentioned in the book of Revelation are fall short of the glory of God. It is because of the sin they committed they already knew it is sinful and evil. In some form or another they all guilty of transgressing the Law which is the Ten Commandments.

Note: 8 times the word “overcome” and 7 times the word “repent” was mentioned in the book of Revelation. What do you think will happen to those who will not overcome? Who did not repent?

God Hides the Truth

Paradox is a statement seemingly absurd or self-contradictory, but really found in truth. It is God’s way of hiding the truth on a purpose and Jesus glorified God the father for having that way.

At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this was your good pleasure. Luke 10:21 NIV

There are many paradox in the bible we can find that the Lord Jesus used to convey the truth to the hearers of the Word of God. Actually, there are two ways Jesus used to convey his message which contains hidden truth.

• Parables – Jesus narrates things and events to illustrate moral or spiritual lesson, so the hearers could easily understand the truth.

Jesus spoke all these things to the crowd in parables; he did not say anything to them without using a parable. So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet:

"I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden since the creation of the world." Matt 13:34-35NIV

• Paradox – Jesus speaks a very contradicting statements which many hearers becomes so perplex, it becomes so hard and difficult to understand.

Example:
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:26-27 NIV. But in Matt 10:34-35, Jesus said, "Do not suppose that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.

Jesus said to them, "I tell you the truth, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you... On hearing it, many of his disciples said, "This is a hard teaching. Who can accept it?" Aware that his disciples were grumbling about this, Jesus said to them, "Does this offend you? From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him. John 6:53-66NIV (Jesus is God and Man which is a paradox thing)

Through the parables, the hearers heard plainly the truth but regarding about the paradox, God is hiding the truth which makes the hearers to misunderstood and misinterpret the scriptures. The truth is, God hides the truth for the sole purpose of making the wise in the standard of this world to become fools in his sight, to frustrate the intelligent and to destroy the wisdom of the wise (1 Cor 1:19). While the so called ‘’foolishness of God’’ makes wise those who are being saved.

Two kinds of hearers:

• The Wise (by the standard of the world) – A kind of hearer who are proud of themselves.

• The ‘’Little Children’’ – A child-like kind of learning attitude who have a humble and teachable spirit.

God hides the truth, and this was for his own good pleasure. Therefore, let us all become like of those little children because Jesus loves the little children (those who change and become like them Mat.18:3). He loves to show to them hidden things, unsearchable things, great and mighty things, and difficult things which are hard to understand.

Rev 22:14 (KJV)

Blessed are they that do his (Ten)commandments:

• they may have right to the tree of life, and
• they may enter in through the gates into the city.

Obey and keep the “Law Now”NOW.

Put on the “Law Now”

Who says that the Law which is the Ten Commandments is obsolete, irrelevant and not important anymore? Take a closer look of what the scriptures said below:

Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry .Because of these, the wrath of God is coming. You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger , rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Col 3:5-10

Jesus did not abolished the Law (Mat 5:17-19) and neither the Apostles. In fact they established the Law (Rom 3:31) in a greater details (just like the scriptures above) in all of their epistles.

Therefore, do right now to give importance about the “Law Now” and make every effort to do the following:

• Take off your old self
• Put on the new self
• Put to death your earthly nature

And the most important of all: Do it right now to put (keep and obey) the “Law Now” before the wrath of God comes to those who are deliberate and willful in gratifying their earthly (fleshly, lustful and sinful) nature.

3 Major Changes do by the Law “Now”

There are 3 major changes and transformations that will take place in our whole being (spirit, soul and body) when we “surpass the Law”:

1. Spirit is continually regenerates which gives power for living

Do you oftentimes feel bored and tired to read the Bible, pray, attend church? If you do, you are lack of spiritual life and when you lack spiritual life then you are lack of power. It means your spirit that regenerates by the Spirit of God comes to a death.

If you want your spiritual life to be healthy and alive do not forsake the things of God. Moreover, you must have a determination to surpass the law. If you do, your spirit will become align to the Spirit of God. The Spirit of God gives us the power for living, a kind of living different from the carnal and natural “good person”.

2. Soul which is the mind is being renew daily

Our carnal mind- the mind that is enmity against God and will not ever subject to the law of God (Rom 8:7) must change, reform and renew. Our mind must become the mind of Christ.

When we surpass the Law, we eventually instill or inculcate in our mind the “spiritual law” (the Law “Now”). In other words, we are molding our mind to conform our mind to the mind of God.

3. Body which is the flesh is put to death

Nothing, there’s nothing good lives there. The desire of the body which is the flesh is contrary to the desires of the Spirit. The flesh must be put to a total death. When you feel a craving for fleshly things beware, that is the indication your flesh is still alive to sinful fleshly desires. You might be in danger of the fire of hell. (Mar 9:43-48)

Surpassing the law is the only logical and practical means whereby the flesh can be put to death. The Law “Now” is exactly the way to overcome the works of the flesh. It’s the only and perfect way, because the Law of the Lord is PERFECT (Psa 19:7)

Another Term for the Word “Sin”

According to 1Co 15:56, “The sting of death is sin”. Therefore it could be said that the “sting of death” is another term for the word sin. This so called sting of death which is sin can be determined as follows:

• It is a sin “I hate to do I do”
• It is the sin dwelling and living in the members of the body
• It is a sin ingrained and deeply rooted in the whole being
• It is a sin that create a cycle of defeat
• It is a struggling sin

The adverse effect of the sting of death: Lack of spiritual life

• Lack of prayer
• Lack of reading the bible
• Lack of joy of belonging (fellowship)
• Lack of desire to witness
• Lack of self-discipline and self-control

We have to work out something to remove the sting of death or the sin. However completely removing the sting will takes time and it’s not easy. Because the sting is in our whole being since we are in our mother wombs. And during in our childhood slavery to sin begins to stem inwardly and it adversely affect us as we grow. It becomes more active and stronger until sin becomes our master.

As I said we have to work out something. We have to work a particular work that will save us completely from the sting of death. Otherwise, if we did not deal with this thing death (lack of spiritual life) will manifest. Much worse, the lust of the eyes and lust of the flesh shall emerge which lead us to death. Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (Jas 1:15) When death arrives going back to the former condition shall emerge again. It is likely where the “unclean spirit” that gone out will return with seven others (Mat 12:43-45). In the Bible and even in our times many known “man of God” and ministers that had fallen back into willful sin the unclean spirit are manifesting in them.

As what mentioned many times, surpassing the law is the only means whereby a saved person will be saved completely from the sting of death.

When a saved person surpasses the law his mind will change. When his mind is change eventually his attitude will change. One by one virtues and character will be develop. Spiritually and literarily everything will change from glory to glory. From being carnal mind unto spiritual mind until it becomes molded like the mind of Christ-like Christ.

Apostle Law #4

Surpassing the Law is a process of “works for a while” wherein a saved person is passing through on the judgment of God to the sin.

As what earthly father do to his son is what God our Father that is in heaven do to us. God let us to experience his judgment by the so called chastisement of God. The way God discipline us so we can learn to obey his will is by chastising us. And God chastisement or his punishment is not pleasurable. But God do it in his own pleasure. Read Heb 12:6-11

God chastise to impute deep in our being his will for us. Do you know what are God’s will? There’s nothing else except the Law which is the Ten Commandments. It contains his will, his perfect will actually for everyone. God’s will for us is not to get angry (anger is the same as murder), not to look with a lust (lustful look is the same as adultery), not to steal (even if it is small of value), not to tell a lie (even to speak with exaggeration- also form of lying) and others that included in the Law that Jesus said, “Now I tell you”. God hate those sins. And when we keep on sinning, God judge us. Read 1Cor 11:31-32

Apostle law #4 is about the “training” or the “works” we must enter upon until we become so “well practice” in surpassing the Law or until the Law “Now I tell you” turn to be a part of our daily practical Christian living. In the meantime during that training God will let us personally experience his punishments as what like the earthly good father punish (chastise, discipline) his son.

When God chastise us (through problems, sufferings, hardship, and difficulty of many kinds) we must submit even if it is painful on our part. Though God chastise, it gives a positive indication that we should be encourage and confident to continue. Because on that case, we are indeed belonging to be a God’s son and God really loves us (Heb 12:6). So let us press on.

Consequently, after we “practice thereby” or “works for a while” (in surpassing the law) we can now personally experience and say the sweet psalm of David, “The Lord is my shepherd I shall not want…thy rod and thy staff they comfort me (Psa 23:1-6). God will not put away his chastisement, but this time His chastisement (His rod) is not anymore displeasing but pleasurable and provides us comfort.

Bring Back the “Ark” Now

One very important piece of equipment why the Israelites had experienced many victories, miracles, provisions, protection of God and many blessings was because of the “ark of the covenant”. The ark has a great significance in the life of Israelites. Without the ark the Israelites suffered much as like in one instance where the ark had been capture by their enemy. (1 Sam Chap 4, 5). There is a loud wailing and a high priest had died after hearing the news that the ark was taken. (1 Sam 4:16-18)

Today the real spiritual Israelites are the believers. (1 Cor 10:1-12; 1 Pet 2:9) In the same way as the Israelites carry the “ark of the covenant” (in their shoulder) whenever they go, the believers today must carry the “ark” also. Not the literal ark anymore but the “spiritual ark” that must be put to the mind and heart. The “spiritual ark of the covenant” containing the (spiritual) Law (Rom 7:14) which is the Ten Commandments must be put in the mind and heart. So whenever the believer goes the ark goes.

As far as the mind of Christian is concerned, their mind is empty of the Law because in reality vast majority of Christian cannot name or can name a few of the Ten Commandments. This proves that many transgress the Law willfully, for sin which according to the biblical definition, is the transgression of the Law. (1 Joh 3:4)

Now and more than ever, the law must by any means must be brought back and be established in the spiritual temple which is the believer.(1 Cor 3:16,17) The “ark” that contains the spiritual law must be carry by the priest which is also the believer.(1 Pet 2:9) Not in the shoulder but in the mind and heart where the law has its right and exact place. It means whenever the believer goes the ark (the Law that Jesus said, “Now I tell you”) should go with them.

The new tabernacle that we have now is more excellent than the tabernacle of Moses, because we as a priest have a privilege to enter in the most holy place like the high priest during Old Testament times. We can enter not only once but anytime, anywhere and in any situation.

The Israelites "Now"

All believers today are now called the “spiritual Israelites” .

In the scriptures all believers are called the “spiritual Israelites”, “temple of God” (1 Cor 3:16-17) and “priest” (1 Pet 2:9). And there is a one piece missing the “spiritual Israelites” must get and bring it back to the right place in the “temple of God”. That one piece is called the “spiritual ark of the covenant” containing the “spiritual Law” which is the Law Jesus said, “Now I tell you”.

• Israel life experiences in the wilderness are a vivid type of a Christian life experiences

Egypt ------------------------- A type of the bondage of sin
The Exodus----------------------A type of the forsaking of the sinful life
Moses as deliverer--------------A type of Christ
Canaanites and all “ites”--------A type of struggling with sin
The Promised Land----------------A type of heaven- salvation
Wandering in the wilderness------A type of God test
Ark of the Covenant--------------The Ten Commandments

• The 3 P’s in the life of Israel will also be in the life of believers

Promise
Problem
Provision

• Causes why many Israelites failed is also the causes why many Christian failed

Disobedience to the Law
Majority of them keep sinning on the sin they knew is sinful and evil
They continually, intentionally and deliberately sin

What happened to Israelites in the time of Moses is a clear example for us and to warn us. (1 Cor 10:6-11)

Be warned: If you think you are standing firm you had better be careful that you do not fall”. (1Co 1012)

The Temple "NOW"

The Temple or the Tabernacle is a clear detailed portrait of the Lord Jesus Christ, the believer and the Ten Commandments

Temple in O.T.


Priest: Levites

Sin Offering: Sheep

Laver of Bronze: Contain water for washing

Altar of Burnt Offering: Sin has taken away

Table for the Showbread: Contain bread

Golden Lampstand: Light

Altar of Incence: Sweet smelling aroma rising upward

Ark of the Covenant: Contain 2 tablet of stone, rod of Aaron and Jar of Manna



Temple in N.T.


Temple: Believer (1 Cor 3:16-17)

Priest: Believer (1 Pet 2:9)

Sin Offering: Jesus

Laver of Bronze: The Word of God is water (Eph 5:26;Heb 10:22)

Altar of Burnt Offering: Sin has taken away

Table for the Showbread: Jesus is the Bread of Life

Golden Lampstand: Illumination of the Word

Jesus is the light of the world

Believers are the light of the world

Altar of Incence: Prayer, Worship

Ark of the Covenant: The Spiritual Law which is the Ten Commandments

• Rod represents Judgments
• Disobedience to the Law will receive curse
• Manna represents Blessings
• Obedience to the Law will receive blessings

Now more than ever, the law must by any means be establish in the spiritual temple which is the believer. The “ark” that contains the spiritual law must be carry by the priest which is also the believer. Not in the shoulder but in the mind and heart where the law has its right and exact place. It means whenever the believer goes the ark (the Law that Jesus said, “Now I tell you”) should go with them.

The new tabernacle that we have now is more excellent than the tabernacle of Moses, because we as a priest have a privilege to enter in the most holy place like the high priest during Old Testament times. We can enter not only once but anytime, anywhere and in any situation.

The Law ''NOW''

The Law “Heard of long ago” that Jesus did not Abolished (Mat 5:17; 19:16-19):

1. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. You shall not make any idols or bow down to them.
3. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
4. Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not lie.
10. You shall not covet

The Law Jesus said, “NOW I tell you…” that he Explained:

1. Worship the Lord your God and serve only him! (Mat 4:10)
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. (Mat 22:37)
Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness (Mat 6:33)

2. Do not serve God and mammon (Mat 6:24)

3. Swear not at all. (Mat 5:33-37)
Do not speak blasphemy against the Holy Spirit (Mat 12:31-32)

4. Do well on the sabbath days. (Mat 12:12)
Worship God in spirit and in truth (Jon 4:24)

5. Respect your father and your mother (Mat 15:4)
Hate your father and mother (Luk 14:26)

6. Do not be angry (Mat 5:22)
Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you (Mat 5:44)

7. Do not look with a lust (Mat 5: 28)

8. Do not steal (Mat 19:18)
Give, and it shall be given unto you (Luk 6:38)

9. Do not accused anyone falsely (Mat 19:18)
Just say 'Yes' or 'No' (Mat 5:37)

10. Watch out and guard yourselves from every kind of greed. (Luk 12:15)


The Law Jesus said, “You have heard of long ago” “But NOW I tell you…” that was further explained and established by the Apostles in their Epistles:

1. Love the Lord (1 Cor 16:22)
Love not the world (1 Jon 2:16)

2. Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God (Rom 12:1)
Put to death, then, the earthly desires at work in you, such as lust, evil passions, and greed (for greed is a form of idolatry). (Col 3:5) Flee from idolatry. (1Co 10:14)

3. Swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay (Jam 5:12)
Put off all these; blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. (Col 3:8)

4. Let us not give up the habit of meeting together (Heb 10:25)
Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks (1Th 5:17-18)

5. Respect your father and your mother (Eph 6:2)
Parents, provoke not your children to anger (Col 3:21)

6. Live peaceably with all men, avenge not yourselves (Rom 12:18-21)
Do not pays back wrong for wrong (1 Th 5:15)
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: (Eph 4:26)

7. Do not make friendship with the world (Jam 4:4)
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers (2 Cor 6:14)

8. Let him that stole steal no more (Eph 4:28)

9. No more lying, then! Each of you must tell the truth to the other believer. (Eph 4:25)
Lie not one to another (Col 3:9)

10. Having food and raiment let us be therewith content. (1Ti 6:8)
Owe no man any thing (Rom 13:8)

Are You Completely Saved?

Is your hand, eye, and tongue saved from the danger of the fire of hell?

"In the spiritual condition a saved person is completely saved. But as far as the physical condition is concerned there are sin ingrained and deeply rooted and dwelling in the members of the body that must be overcome and be put to death completely".

The sin living and working in the members of the body must be put to death or else hell is awaiting for those who have their members of their body had continually, intentionally and deliberately causing them to sin.

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (Mar 9:43-48)

If a saved person thinks he is saved and standing firm then he should better be watchful (1Cor 10:12). He must always be in the position to watch out the members of his body that might cause him to sin.

All who claimed they are saved must understand the working of their body. The body works in its lustful desires and wants all fleshly desires. And when the lust had conceive, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (Jas 1:15). The word “death” means “lack of spiritual life”. When the lack of spiritual life had taken place it will manifest as a lack of bible reading, lack of prayer, lack of joy of belonging and lack of serving and worshipping God.

And if a Christian lacks with those essential spiritual things needed for spiritual growth falling back to the former condition is imminent. Sin will become alive again in the members of the body until it will become slave to sin. Sin will again take a domination of the whole body as well as the whole being. Lust of the eyes and lust of the flesh will reign.

The principle of sowing and reaping applies also to the spiritual life of a saved person.

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. (Gal 6:8)

Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Rom 6:11-13)

Overcoming and putting to death the sin dwelling in the members of the body takes time. And by surpassing the law little by little the sin “I hate to do that I do” will not dominate the members of the body.

All preaching run into the Law

All streams flow into the sea, yet the sea is never full. To the place the streams come from, there they return again. In the same way, all preaching and teaching whatever subject it may be shall end up into the Law which is the Ten Commandments. If a preacher preach about a doctrine, not a false doctrine then it is connected to the 9th commandment that said, “You shall not lie”.

If a preacher preach about suffering, that is connected to the 1st unto the 4th commandments. Look at Job, who suffers much as he can bear, his lips does not utter words that will dishonor God. When preachers preach about just anything else in the bible all end up into the Law. Because the Law is the summary of the whole bible, and the summary of the Law which is the Ten Commandments is the two Greatest Commandments. Then the summary of the two Greatest Commandments end up only in just one single word- Love.

Every subject or topics taken from the Bible that had been delivered in the pulpits and written in the books are all about, in some fashion or another, the exhortation, explanation, and exegesis of the Law. The law which is the Ten Commandments circles and embodies all teaching that could be found in the scriptures.

It is very vital therefore, that we should not ignore and abolish the Law, even the least part (smallest letter and the least stroke of a pen) of the Law. Mat 5:17-19

Proper View of the Doctrine of Salvation

To have a proper view, first is we must have a biblical and acceptable view in the Scriptures that there is a so called “Doctrine”. From the Strong Dictionary “doctrine” means, “properly something received”. In a sense it is something that a hearer properly received from a teacher about an instruction. And Timothy is one example of a good hearer.

But thou hast fully known my doctrine… (2Ti 3:10) And the things (teachings, doctrine) that thou hast heard of me…2Ti 2:2. I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ…Preach the word… exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine…” (2Ti 4:1-3)

Apostle Paul charge young Timothy about a doctrine and Paul clearly stated that, “ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine…” (2Ti 3:16). The doctrine charge to Timothy that have been received and learned from Paul is a sound doctrine. A doctrine that is incorruptible and pure doctrine to be pass and hand over to trustworthy man able to teach others also as what Paul said in 2 Tim 2:1.

So, therefore, saying that there is no such thing as doctrine and denying a doctrine (taught by the scriptures) is actually resisting the truth. If one believe not in the doctrine matter of the scriptures he is opposed to the one who formed them and that is to God.

Regarding on the two distinct teaching of salvation which says “once saved always saved” and “those who truly saved can lose their salvation”, we should be careful not to judge which is which. God is the only one judge and we are not in the position to prejudice.

What then is our proper stand about our own salvation? One thing each one should do is to claim what they claimed. If one claimed “once saved always saved” claimed it and if other claimed, “Those truly saved can lose salvation” claimed it too, provided that both believed that “salvation is by grace through faith”. However, claiming is one thing but making their claimed (doctrine) into living form is another thing. It means the claimed written Word (said by the scriptures about their claimed doctrine of salvation) should transform into living word. In other words, the Word must manifest in the flesh which is the body. All person who claimed they were saved must have a clear understanding of the works of member of their body.

There is no much question whether a saved person claimed he is “truly saved” or “always saved”, the real question is, Are you completely saved? It means, are all of the members of your body saved from the danger of the fire of hell? Look of what the bible said:

And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (Mar 9:43-48)

A saved person must look his whole body carefully and see if his hand, foot and eye as well as his tongue are saved completely. Because if just only one member sin until it becomes a slave to sin, then he is in real danger. When a saved person claimed he is always saved or truly saved, sin should not reign in the members or parts of his body. To be completely saved is to let not sin alive even in those small parts of the body.

In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its evil desires. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin, as instruments of wickedness, but rather offer yourselves to God, as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer the parts of your body to him as instruments of righteousness. Ro. 6:12-13

Again, a saved person must be saved completely, saved in both body and spirit. The real and proper stand of a saved person should be:

• Claimed what you claimed

• Work out your Salvation by surpassing the Law (Ten Commandments)

Paul Surpass the Law

Apostle Paul is one good example on how a Christian especially the leaders of the church in regards to the surpassing of the Law:

• He did not use his right to gain material things.

If we have sown spiritual seed among you, is it too much if we reap a material harvest from you? If others have this right of support from you, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not use this right. On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 1Co. 9:12-13

• He did not abuse his right and his power to get wealth

What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. 1Co. 9:18

The 10th commandments stated, “Do not covet”. As an apostle of Christ, Paul has the right to have more support (material and financial) but he did not use and abuse his greater rights. Paul did not covet even a single centavo. He surpass the Law heard of long ago which said “Do not covet”. In all, Paul surpassed the Law.

Faith Without Work is Dead

In the same way, faith by itself, if it does not have any works, is dead. (Jas 2:17)

On the subject of faith alone, there are many books written about it. Lots of preaching and teaching had been delivered in the pulpit in all Christian churches. We have a wide and clear understanding of what faith really is. But what about works said in the book of James Chapter 2? It had been told there that faith without work is dead. What does it really means?

We have learned about faith and how to have a genuine faith but then, what exactly are the works we should work so the faith that we have will not be dead? Or How can we show our faith by our works? Certainly it is not like of what Abraham did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar. What he did is immeasurable and beyond comprehension. Not everybody or no one today can allow his own son to die to be a sacrifice offering.

Chapter 2 of the book of James real intent is to show how we should keep the two greatest commandments which have a great relevant to the law- the Ten Commandments. From verse 1-16 the second greatest commandments, “love your neighbor as yourself” is given emphasis. While in verse 21-23 the real emphasis is the first greatest commandment, “love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength” in which Abraham has shown by his willingness and obedience to the will of God.

What then is the logical, measurable, attainable, and probable way to show our faith by means of our works and so everyone can obey and follow? How exactly can we show it in a very practical as well as spiritual we can apply in our daily lives?

God is just. It means God doesn’t make a decree that will not be fair to all people. In fact, He makes a law that is perfect to convert man turning into His likeness.
There’s nothing else but the law which is the Ten Commandments. That is the exact and perfect way to show our faith through the (surpassing) work of the law. It is the law not we heard of long ago but the law the Lord Jesus said, ”Now I tell you…” are the law we need to keep in our mind. When the law conceives in the mind the body will achieve what’s on the mind. The body will achieve not the lust of the flesh, not the lust of the eyes that will undermine God’s law-The Ten Commandments.

On the part of Abraham showing his faith by his work is hard. But in our part showing our faith by our works that we can also show our love, the bible said is not difficult, “For this is the love of God: that we keep his commandments; and his (Ten) commandments are not difficult, (1Jn 5:3)

Faith without work is dead. Moreover if faith is dead, love toward others and toward God is cold and dead. What else is the perfect and practical way we can show our love to others and our love to God as well as our faith?

How Exactly Are We Going To Love God?

The Bible has the definite answer:

This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands (Ten Commandments) are not burdensome”. 1 John 5:2-3 NIV

What else are the logical, measurable and probable as well as practical and spiritual way to love God? Loving God that will not fall short of the glory of God?

There’s nothing else except through the law which is the Ten Commandments.

We must obey (surpass) the Ten Commandments.

It’s out of the Question

I believe it’s out of the question whether If one claimed that those who are “truly saved can lose the salvation” or others claimed “once saved, always saved”. It doesn’t matter what Christians hold in his mind for as long as the person believe that “salvation is by grace through faith” then I could say that there is no problem at all which of the two is right and wrong.

Claiming what you believe is not a guarantee that you are really saved. There is a simple question but has a big relevance related to salvation that must be answer by those who say they are truly saved or once saved always saved. After you accepted, believed and confessed Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour, are you growing and really becoming children of God? A person claiming he is a child of God should clearly understand of what the Apostle John said:

“He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (1Jn 3:8-10)

Note: Whosoever does not do the righteousness of God is not of God and can be distinguish as the children of the devil.

What then is the righteousness of God?

My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. (Psa 119:172)

The Ten Commandments is the righteousness of God and this then is what the Christian should seek first! (Mat 6:33)

Therefore, the guarantee that a person is really a children of God is not base solely on what he claimed but on the righteousness of God that he does. Surpassing of the Law is the righteousness of God.

The question now is, do you have the righteousness of God? Putting it in the other way:

• Do you have any grudges, hatred, wrath, bitterness toward others?
• Do you look with a lust to an opposite sex?
• Do you steal something even it is small of value?
• Do you lie and exaggerate?

If you do, then you have not sought and attained the righteousness of God and your salvation is questionable. “In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother”. (1Jn 3:10)

We must have the righteousness of God and that can be made by keeping the law not the law we heard of long ago but the law that the Lord Jesus said, “Now I tell you…”.

Apostle Law #3

“Anyone who wants to be a disciple of Christ will experience a struggle w/ sin”.

No one is exempted, as what Apostle Paul went through each Christian will experience a struggle with sin too. All who is in Christ will struggle, if not, they have problem with their self, they are spiritually blind.

Look of what it said in the Bible, “For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would”. (Gal 5:17)

Flesh is in no way cooperates with the Spirit. Peter really want to pray for at least one hour but he could not do it. Jesus found Peter sleeping and said, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak”. (Mat 26:41)

The number one struggle of many Christian is in the area of prayer. Many are lack of prayer and that is the main reason why they have many struggle in their Christian life. They have struggles in their eye, hand and tongue. They have struggles in their mind about attending in the church, forgiving those who hurt them and other spiritual concerns that hinder their spiritual growth.

What is the best thing we can do? One of the best thing we can do is to struggle and keep on struggling. Struggle means “to endeavor to accomplish something”: - fight, labor fervently, strive, wrestle (Strong Dictionary). Therefore, we must fight, wrestle and strive hard to accomplish something.

We are called to fight like a soldier, to endure hardship like a farmer and be discipline like an athlete. By regularly complying on that representation flesh (desires) will be put to death. When the flesh was continually being put to death we can now do what the Spirit wants.

We must struggle (wrestle). Struggling with sin is actually an indication of spiritual growth. Like a caterpillar that struggle to come out on the cocoon to become a beautiful butterfly, so we Christian should struggle to come out from the “cocoon of sin” (that enslaving us and ingrained in our whole being) and become the newness of the creation.

We must struggle-wrestle-strive to pray, to read the bible, to have joy of belonging (fellowship), and to witness and also we must struggle-strive hard to surpass the law which is the Ten Commandments.

Three Category of Salvation

1. The Instant Salvation

A person who truly believes and accepted Christ as his Lord and Saviour , that when if he is going to die he will go to heaven. Just like what happened to the one criminal who was hang on the cross with Jesus. “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise”. (Luk 23:42-43)

Are you a believer in Christ? If you are a believer then if you die tonight you will immediately and instantly go to heaven.

2. The Questionable Salvation

It’s very clear of what is the real message of the “Parable of the Sower” in Matthew Chapter 13. There is only one appalling truth we must understand, that not all person who go to church are in the “good ground”. Majority of them are in the “stony ground” and in the “thorny ground”. No need to explain further, those who are not in the “good ground” their salvation is questionable.


3. The Complete Salvation

This is somewhat related to two things:

a. Reward

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. 1Co 3:12-15

Note: Those who receive a reward have a “complete salvation” and those who did not receive a reward have a “incomplete salvation” (simply because they have not receive a reward)

b. Rapture

No need also to explain further what is the real message of the “Parable of the Ten Virgins” in Mat 25:1-13. Not all Christians will become like of those “five wise virgins”. Many Christians will be left behind when rapture takes place. We must learn from that parable because it is all about the coming of the Lord. In v. 13 it said, “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. (Mat 25:13)

Did You Know…?

That the summary of the whole scripture which is the bible is the Ten Commandments? Yes it is, in fact, the summary of the Law which is the Ten Commandments is the Two Greatest Commandments. And the very summary of the Two Greatest Commandments end in just only one single word and that is Love.

In reality, the bible itself is a love letter of God sent for each of us personally. That’s why we need to read and meditate it day and night. Have you received a love letter came from someone who personally wants to tell and show his or her love to you? What a wonderful feeling reading that letter isn’t it? In the same way, as we read the bible we should cultivate a sense of feeling of love toward God when everytime we read the bible. God first love us and by that we should develop and have that kind of feeling arising within us when we read His love letter. If it will not go on that way, bible reading will be a ritual thing and boring.

Do you want to experience the love and the exceeding excitement of bible reading? The first thing is, you must fall in love with the Law. You must love the Law and delight in the Law.

O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. (Psa 119:97)
But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. (Psa 1:2)

The question now is, “How can we express that love into an action form”? Simply, it is by obeying the two greatest commandments. But how exactly can we express or perform the two greatest commandments? They are already given and that is by keeping the Ten Commandments. Not just keeping them but surpassing them which the end result will be “Love toward God and love to our neighbor”. We cultivate that kind of love within us when we surpass the law. (Matt 5: 20; 1 Jn 5:2)

The last question would be, “How can we learn more to surpass the law which is the Ten Commandments”? It is no other than anything else but through only by reading, meditating and applying the Word of God- the Bible.

The Eye and The Hand

by Elmerswork


I have two eyes, the left and the right

Computers, T.V are all fine and bright

But I always find my two eyes, reading the bible, felt so tired,

I’m too sleepy, it‘s hard to fight

I have two hands the left and the right

Remote control and cellphones are easy to hold tight

But grabbing the bible, I take it, if I feel like

Yes, I have two eyes the left and right

To pray with two hands fold in secret is not my delight

Lust of the eyes, desires of the flesh I find rest

O‘ Lord hold me, and put me to the test

Take the Test

At this time, being a Christian, let each of us look into the mirror of the Ten Commandments and we must do it as often everyday. With all honesty face to that mirror and answer within yourself the following question yes or no:

• Do you have some sort of feeling or pattern of thought of bitterness, grudges, and hatred toward others? Do you easily get angry or quick to loose temper?
• Do you have an irresistible look with a lust to an opposite sex?
• Do you still tell a lie or speak with exaggeration?
• Do you steal something even if it is small of value?

Chances are in some form or another you are guilty of breaking the Law, which is the Law “Now I tell you...” that Jesus have been told in the New Testament and further explain and exhort and establish (Rom 3:31) by the Apostles throughout in their Epistles.

And now, concerning the members of your body, the body as a whole which is the flesh, it is better to remind yourself always with the scriptures below:

• And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire: Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched. (Mar 9:43-48)


• 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. (Mat 7:21-23)

• Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Mat 5:17-20)

What is the will of the Father? His will for you and me are not to be get angry, not to look with a lust, not to tell a lie and exaggerates and not to steal something. Of course, the whole of the Ten Commandments is the Father’s will for all of us because it is perfect to renew the mind. Therefore, the Ten Commandments are the perfect will of God for us.

And lastly, you must identify yourself which of the seven churches you belong as what identified by the Apostle John in the book of Revelation. For sure there is one or two and maybe in all of them where you can identify yourself with. Then after you pinpoint which church you belong (perhaps you are belong to a lukewarm church and therefore you yourself are lukewarm too) take note of the single word mentioned. The word “Overcome” was mentioned seven times in the book of Revelation Chapter 2 and 3 indicating the real condition of the seven churches. Notice that all of the seven churches of course with all of its members are come fall short of the glory of God.

In Rev 21:7 there again for the eight times, the word “overcomes” “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son”. But then, what will happen to those who will not overcome? Those who will not overcome “might be” in danger of the fire of hell. See the proceeding verse, “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death”.(Rev 21:8)

For each of us to be sure enough of not and never be in danger of the fire of hell, we must do individually and corporately to overcome all that must be overcome, in particular are the worldly and “fleshly” works of the members of the body -the eyes, hands and the tongue.

Who is Liar?

Who is liar? The bible told it so.

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his (Ten)Commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1Jn 2:4)

Therefore, those who said they know God must keep the Ten Commandments by way of surpassing them.

Apostle Law #2

“In spiritual realm, we are righteous, holy, perfect, justified, new creation and so on, it is because of the sacrificial works of Christ but in the natural realm or in reality, we are slave to the sin living in the parts of our body (hands, eyes and tongue as well as in the whole body) wherein we must overcome all of it completely”.

Our whole being is consisting of the unseen and that can be seen. One is the spiritual being which cannot be seen. We have no problem in our spiritual being because it was already given complete solution through Christ. By his sacrificial works our spiritual position remained the same, we are holy and righteous in God’s sight even though we sin many times. All of our sin from the past, present and in the future was already paid by Jesus blood.

While on the other side of our being which can be seen problem is not yet resolve. Our physical being or the so called our physical being- the body which is also called the flesh is something a Christian should give himself with much concerns. Because there in the body dwelling sin is actively manifest by the eye, hand and tongue. In those parts of the body sin is alive and kicking. Sin of omission (sin that we should not do such as murder -anger adultery -lustful look, stealing -robbing God , lying -exaggeration is also a form of lying and others sin prohibits by the Ten Commandments) and also the sin of commission (such as not reading the bible, praying and others that we should do but we neglect to do) are the sin dwelling in the parts of the body that must be overcome completely.

Like the Apostle Paul, anyone who is in Christ will experience an inward struggling with sin. He said,” For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. (Rom 7:15-20)

And the Lord Jesus warns that if the eyes and hand causes you to sin it is better to pluck it out or to cut it out that part from your body. It is better, Jesus said, to throw it out those parts of the body so that not your whole body be thrown in hell (Mat 5:29-30). In general, the whole body itself causes us to sin, it makes us lazy to do the things of God and makes us to crave more on its desires such as the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life.

Keep in mind, no “Flesh” and blood cannot inherit the Kingdom of God (1 Cor 15:50). It really means that our body has nothing good lives in there as what Apostle Paul had seen (Rom 7:18).

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Rom 6:12-13)

In order that the sin will not reign in our mortal body, we must keep on practicing the Law that Jesus said, “But now I tell you…” (Mat 5:28,32,34,39,44). By keep on practicing the (spiritual) Law which is the Ten Commandments it will form a new pattern in your brain. Once the pattern is formed, it becomes an automatic behavioral response. As you develop new spiritual habits, they will begin to replace worldly and lustful habits that basically of long ago was formed in the mind.

It is all about the Ten Commandments the Lord told and establish by the Apostles in the New Testament which is the only way to transform the mind into the mind of Christ. It is the perfect way because the Law is perfect to renew the mind that will certainly put to death the misdeeds of the members of body.

The body (desires) which is the “flesh” must put to death.

Let the Written Word Reign in Your Mortal Body

Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God. (Rom 6:12-13)

Indeed we have victory, 1 Cor 15:55-57 declared that we have given victory over to the so called the “sting of death”. However, it was only declared in a written form. The bible contains written word of God which according to Heb 4:12, are quick and powerful and sharper than two edged sword.

There is no question when it comes to the declared Word of God that said we are given victory through Christ. However, what stated in that particular verses are Word in a written form. The Word that is written must transform into a living word on individual and in a very personal way. In other words, the Word must be applied practically in each personal life of a Christian, thus he can be called the “living epistle”. Read 2 Cor 3:3; Jam 1:22-25;

We must realize claiming the written promise of the Word is one thing but personally experiencing that promise (of victory) is entirely a different matter.

1. The written Word said, “We are more than conqueror” but in reality many are conquered by the sin dwelling in the members of their body.

In what ways Christians are conquered? Through their eyes, hands and tongue as well as the whole body. Their spirit is very willing to pray and read the bible but the body is weak to carry out what they inwardly desire deep in their spirit. Yes they are conqueror, they conquer others with their anger and anger is the same as murder. In some form or another, they were harboring bitterness, some grudges or thoughts of hatred. In doing so, they are hold accountable as murderer just the same as to a person who is found guilty of murder.

2. The written Word said, the “love of Christ shall not separate us” despite of any situation but in reality many separate themselves from God.

Many Christian their love for God is growing cold as it seen in their conduct. They always come late in the church with their excuses. They have no love to read even a small portion of the scriptures. Many are lovers of the world for they set their one foot on the church and the other foot is on the world. And yet there are many Christian (even ministers) who come and serve in the church but then eventually their passion of serving God fades away. They go and gone far away back to their former old ways.

3. The written Word said, “We are not under the law” but the truth is majority of Christians transgress the law again and again.

Do you know the right, exact and biblical definition of sin? It can be found in 1 Jn 3:4, “Sin is the transgression of the law”. And any possible sin man can commit are all cover by the Ten Commandments. If we claimed we are Christians it is very appropriate that we should not sin anymore. It means, we must not intentionally and willfully commit sin again and`again on the sin we know it is sinful and evil which forbid by the Ten Commandments. Otherwise, we are not different from the unsaved, non-Christians and from those who are not children of God.

4. And yet, the written Word said, the “Law was written in the heart” but in reality high percentage of professing Christian cannot name or memorized the Ten Commandments.

If we are going to do a survey in many Christian churches today, lots of them can only name a few commandments written in the Law. And that proves how vast majority of Christian transgress the law. Sure enough, they oftentimes were committing the sin of omission, because sin is the transgression of the law (Ten Commandments). 1 Jn 3:4. With the sin of omission comes more sin, the sin of commission (not praying, reading and meditation of the Word)


What else the written Word said:
We have the righteousness of Christ but in reality that are manifesting in many Christian they talk, act and think like the unrighteous person. The written word said we are new creation but what we see in many Christian they keep coming back again and again to their old habits. And there are many truths we could claim in the written Word.

Jesus said we must surpass the righteousness of the Pharisees (Mat.5:20). He told it so, because outwardly Pharisees looks like godly and holy and seems perfect in their ways but inwardly they are like sepulcher full of dead bones. They are hypocrites, love to be seen their “good works” in the marketplace.

Individually and Corporately we must “Work Out” the Salvation

Another emphasis why Paul instruct the Philippians church to be more obedient and to work out their salvation despite his absence in their midst is because of the possibility they may become like the Corinthian Church. As what Paul heard in that church, there is a division going on among them, one group say they are of Paul and the other group says they are of Apollos. On that matter, Paul beseech them to stop competing each other and avoid any envy and strife that will ruin their fellowship and their being one in Christ. And no doubt, many believers in this church committed adultery, sexual immorality and tell lies (2 Cor 12:20-21).

If this would be the case in many churches, similar to what occurring in the Corinthian church where it could be likely we can resemble with that kind of church? It would be just like in many workplace where if the boss or the manager or the supervisor is going to be absence for a long time, for sure quarrels, backbiting, and all sort of misconduct will build up. And in the church, there are accounts where the leaders themselves who are supposed to render good example is the one who became personally involve in such unethical and unrighteous acts. Sexual immorality, money and doctrines are the most common issues besetting the many churches until today.

And if a professing Christian will be just the same as of those members of the Corinthian church what would be the big difference with that believer from unbelievers who did murder, committed adultery, steal and tell lies?
Adding more depth, the bible said anger (grudges, thought of hatred, feeling of bitterness) is the same as murder, lustful look the same as adultery (being carnal and worldly is also adultery Jam 4:4). Others with it, such as stealing (robbing God) and lying (exaggeration is also lying) and the rest of the Ten commandment that commands us what to do and not to do are grossly violated by the believers and unbelievers alike.

In Luk 6:32-35 Christ teach the believers about on how they should treat that is pleasing and acceptable to God, the neighbor especially enemies which should be far beyond from the ability of the unbelievers on how they treat their neighbor and their enemies. From that context we can draw a very biblical strong point on how to become the saved person be different from the unsaved. The Apostle John gave a clear stands, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. (1Jn 3:8-10)

Note what had said, “whosoever is born of God does not sin”. It means, those who claimed they are truly saved or “once saved always saved” must sin no more on the sin they know it is sin and evil. If he knew that murder, adultery, stealing and lie is sin and evil but then if he harbor anger, look with a lust, steal something even small of value, rob God (through tithes and offering)and talk with exaggeration, the claimed he is claiming is questionable because he still continually doing the same evil things do by the unbelievers. Therefore he is not different from them and Apostle John said, “He that committed sin is of the devil”.

In view of this matter, it is very expedient that a saved person, those who claimed they are of God, or say they are true Christian must take time to look on the mirror of the Law which is the Ten Commandments (the Law Jesus said, “Now I tell you”). Closely face themselves on that mirror so that they may see clearly their whole body if there are dirt (sin dwelling on the members of the body). One by one begin to see first the eye and then to the hands, tongue and all the way inside of the heart and in particular the head where the mind is inside. If they didn’t see any dirt there is a problem with their eye, they are spiritually blind!

The instruction of Apostle Paul applies to all Christian churches and to all individual believers. Corporately and individually all must “work out” their salvation (completely saved from the sting of death) by surpassing the Law-Ten Commandments. It literally means, each and everyone must bring out into reality what had been already “work in” in the spiritual realm. The Word put in the written form must become a living Word.

Is the "Sting" Really Gone?

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1Co 15:55-57)

As what the scriptures said above, we have victory and many believers believe the sting of death or the sting itself was gone. Is it really gone?

Two important points we as Christian must fully understand about these verses.

1. We have the Victory but only in the spiritual realm
In the spiritual realm we already gained the victory God gives it to us through our Lord Jesus. The devil, the sin, death and law has no more power to undertake our spiritual position in Christ (2 Cor 5:17).

“In the spiritual reaml we are victorious through Christ, he conquered death, sin, and the world. But in the natural realm as we are in this physical body we must overcome, wrestle and gain victory on the sin dwelling in the member of our body which is the flesh that is contrary to the desire of the Spirit”

2. We have to gain Victory in the natural realm which related to our physical being
Understand that our whole being consist of the unseen and that can be seen, our spiritual being-the unseen and our physical being which can be seen. We have no problem in the spiritual being because it was already given complete solution through Christ.

Regarding the physical being which is also called the physical body the problem of sin is not yet resolve. This body that the bible called “flesh” must be conquered and must be put to death. The bible said, flesh is contrary to the spirit, the spirit regenerated by the Spirit of God resides within us. The flesh always contends to the desire of the Spirit, that’s why as what apostle Paul said “What I want to do I cannot do”, is the same thing happening within us (Rom 7:15-20). In our inmost being we want to pray and read the bible wherein our spirit is very willing. But the body which is the flesh is in no way cooperating what the spirit desires. (Gal 5:17)

Why vast majority of professing Christians their faith has been destroyed, others abandoned the faith and many are weak or have dead-faith? We must recognize the root caused how and why it happens. And we must find the core of sin as of where is sin first conceive and occur.

• It is the sting of death which is sin living in our physical being which in our body the flesh as of what was Paul seen in his own body was the sin who do it (Rom 7:20). Jesus said it is better to pluck out the right eye and cut the hand if it caused us to commit sin and throw it out than your whole body be thrown in hell. (Mat 5:29-30)

• It is the sting that makes us not doing the good things we want to do such as to pray, read, meditate and other spiritual thing necessary for spiritual growth. In simple statements, the sting makes us lazy in the things of God while it pulls us to be crazy to the lust of the eyes lust of the flesh and on the things of the world.

• The flesh that has sting ingrained in our being keep pulling us to the sin we (inwardly) hate of doing.
Unless we are not full of Holy Spirit we cannot powerfully overcome the sin dwelling in the members of our body. Neglect of the things of God consequently leads us not to become victor but a victim. It was said that, “lack prayer, less power”. In addition, ignoring (not surpassing) the law which is the Ten Commandments, the more probable caused sin dwelling in the members of the body will keep you falling back to your former condition.

• And to be more accurate, it is in the mind where the very core of the problem lies. In our inner self there was called the “Battle of the Mind” many Christians are unaware of. They overlook of what the bible said that we are call to fight the enemy not with carnal weapons (Eph 6:12). We must wage war and the fight begins first in the mind. But when Christian lacks spiritual disciplines (such as prayer and the Word) it will results to a carnal minds. And in reality in the church there are Christians who are called carnal Christian. Their one foot is in the church and the other foot is on the world.

It is well explained here in this blog that surpassing the law is the only effective means whereby the sting can be remove completely. We must "little by little" gain victory over the sin which is the sting dwelling in the members of our body.

Exact Biblical Definition of Sin

It’s very ironic, they say they are not under the law which actually the bible said so, but the fact is, in reality in many ways vast majority of christians are willfully and habitually transgress the law.

What is the right, exact and biblical definition of sin? The answer can be found in 1 Jn 3:4, “Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law” (1 Jn 3:4).

Therefore, any sin committed is a direct transgression of the law. In fact, whatever sin man can do is covered by the law which is the Ten Commandments. It was also said in the bible, anyone who break just only one law the whole law are break (Jam 2:10). This means any sin committed leads to the breaking of the whole law.

Is there a possible way to avoid breaking the whole law? Absolutely there is one way to do it! And that is by surpassing the law. This does not mean we will not sin for the rest of our life. As long as we are in this body still we will commit sin. However, if we sin it should not be sin we know it is sin which the Ten Commandments are telling what to do and not to do. If we sin it should not be intentional, willful, continuously and repeatedly on the sin we already knew is really sinful and evil.

Like on what had Jesus said to the women caught in adultery (Jn 8:10), he said, “Sin no more”. And that is we are to sin no more on the sin we knew and felt in our conscience are not right, not pleasing, unrighteous and detestable in God’s sight.

As the song says, “Romans sixteen nineteen says, Be excellent of what is good be innocent of evil”. Let us all be wise of what is good and innocent about what is evil (Rom 16:19).

Surpassing Mind

What do you think ? Is there among Christians who did murder, steal, lie and commit adultery ? Indeed there are many and not just only ordinary Christian, there are many who called themselves as man of God plunge into willful sin. Look at what happened to King David the “man after God own heart”. From then and until today for sure you have heard or seen ministers supposed to be servant of God but then became adulterer (lustful look), murderer (anger is murder), thief and liar (exaggeration is also a form of lying).

Believe it or not, at this moment there are many professing Christians keep doing evil in secret, some are repeatedly doing the sin they hate of doing, and others were obvious of their being carnal and busy on worldliness. They have no time to read, pray and meditate on the Word of God.

Surpassing the law is not showing or making yourself “holier than thou”, it is hypocritical. Rather a saved person is dealing himself to renew his mind and it only can be made through the law which is the Ten Commandments by surpassing them. Only through the Law change will come because the” Law is perfect converting the soul (mind)” (Psa 19:7). When his mind is renewing thus his action, thinking and his speech is renewing day by day until it will not be conforming anymore to the standard mind setting of the world.

As the word “surpass” means “be beyond somebody’s ability”, we as a saved person must posses the ability that is “supernatural” which came only from God, to be able to live a life not falling short of the glory of God. Surpassing the law is the attaining of the supernatural ability that is practical as well as spiritual of doing things a natural man cannot and incapable of doing.

Since the fall of man, sin of omission which means “doing things that should not do” such as adultery, murder, stealing, lying and others included in the Ten Commandments became common to all people. Much worst it became, breaking the law and sin were not sin at all for them. Instead of condemning their evil deeds they are glad of seeing others doing the same detestable thing they did (Rom 1:32). Now it became the Man’s standard which is more acceptable to all as opposed to God’s standard. They knew in their conscience that their evil deeds are immoral.

What are those God’s standard? There is nothing else but the Ten Commandments. It is the law which Jesus said…”You have heard of long ago… But I tell you now”, and as what the Apostle Paul said the “law is spiritual”(Rom 7:14) is the standard for all Christian that must be keep, again, by way of surpassing them.

Surpassing the law will eventually results to the renewing of the mind which can make all of those things possible through faith. When we speak, act and think there it was it begin first in the mind. Not on the outward appearances but what’s on the inside of our heart and mind where God looks does all really matter. Understanding that way will make our minds not easily be drift away to conform to the evil pattern thinking of the evil and unregenerate minds surrounding us.

To surpass the law is to renew the mind. From being a “childhood-well used- sin of omission- sinful nature-mindset” to a stern state of being a “childhood-anger-murderer-mindset”, we must have a surpassing mind that will change us to become a “childlike-practice thereby-10 commandments-surpassed-renewed mind” until we obtain the “childlike-anger-mindset” which is so keenly necessary for maturity in Christ.

Indeed, the Law of the Lord is perfect converting (renewing) the soul (mind) (Ps 19:7).It makes and convert our mind to be like the "Mind of Christ".

Man’s Part and God’s Part

Man’s part must be equal to God’s part.

Man’s Part:
1. Bible Reading
2. Prayer
3. Fellowship
4. Witnessing
5. Surpassing the Law (The Ten Commandments)

God’s Part:
1. Regeneration
2. Justification
3. Sanctification
4. Talents, Gifts of the Holy Spirit and others

The Truth:
1. Man’s part which includes bible reading, prayer, fellowship, witnessing and surpassing the law are the essential things for genuine spiritual growth.

2. Surpassing the law is the spiritual as well as the practical application of loving God above all and loving your neighbor as yourself.

3. Without “Man’s Part” those who claimed they were saved is not saved at all because their faith is dead.

4. Faith must be accompanied by Works, it means he must do the Man’s Part and God will do his part.

5. Man’s part and God’s part must go hand in hand.


The Sum of all the Above:

LOVE must be equal to Man and GOD. It means:

Man’s part is to love God by keeping (surpassing) the Ten Commandments.
If ye love me, keep(surpass) my (Ten) commandments. (Joh 14:15)


God’s part is to love those who love Him and manifest (show, reveal) himself.
He that hath my (Ten) commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. (Joh 14:21)

How Exactly the Apostle Paul Surpass the Law

Concerning the Law, the Apostle Paul makes his point clear that he did not make void the Law through faith, in fact he establish it (Rom 3:31). It is very clear also that Jesus did not nullify the Law. He actually brought out the Law with its full meaning and real intention. Our Lord himself when he came on earth had exactly surpassed the Law. (Mat 5:17-20).

Surpass means “be more excellent” (Strong Dictionary).

How Paul surpassed the Law:

1. He practice what he preach.
This is a very primary important reminder to all who called themselves preacher of the Word of God. Do practice what you preach because if not, you might be in danger of fire of hell. To preach without applying to himself what he preach is lying. And liar goes to hell (Rev 21:9). (Paul surpassed the 9th commandment - Read Rom 2:19-23.)

2. He did not use and abuse his power (to get money).

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great thing if we shall reap your carnal things? (1Co 9:11)If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. (1Co 9:12)


Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preach the gospel should live of the gospel. But I have used none of these things: neither have I written these things, that it should be so done unto me: for it were better for me to die, than that any man should make my glorying void. (1Co 9:14-15)

What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel. (1Co 9:18)


(Paul surpassed the 10th commandment)


3. He surpassed all of the 10 Commandments

Definitely, Paul surpassed the Law. He personally gave an instruction to Timothy of how he going to properly choose and appoint leaders in the Church. (1 Tim Chapter 3). Paul told Timothy that leaders should not be an adulterer, murderer, liar, thief and so on. Doubtless, Paul and Timothy keep the Ten Commandments and surpass them.

All Christians needs not just to obey and keep the Law but to surpass them and that is the real context and essence concerning the Law. And that is the Ten Commandments not we heard of long ago but what the Lord Jesus had tell “NOW”.

Apostle Law # 1

“The more knowledge of the Word of God and his Law, the more sin awaken and arise, the more struggle with sin”.

That law was the sum up of Rom 7:7-25. Struggling with sin will certainly occur when a person becomes born-again. Once he understand that anger is the same as murder, to look with lust is the same as adultery problem with sin begins. As he learns more of the spiritual truth of the Word and God’s Law which is the Ten Commandments, more sin will arise within.

In the Apostle Paul experience in struggling with sin, it is very clear that in his inner being there is something wrong he had seen which makes him so concerned. He notice that there are sin living and actively working inwardly making him bound to do evil every time he wants to do good.

When Paul did not yet known the real meaning of the Law he is dead to sin. Meaning, he was not aware that anger is murder and lustful look is adultery. He does not know what the real intention and meaning of covetousness and the rest of the Commandments. He does not really know such sin is indeed sinful. But when he begin to understand clearly about the law Jesus said “You have heard of long ago…But now I tell you…” , there are parts of his body that becomes alive and became slave to sin. Read Rom 7:14-23

Now, there are some questions I would like to ask to anyone who claimed themselves as saved person:

Since you became a Christian…

• Have you still easily get angry to someone? Is there a bitterness or feeling of hatred toward other Christian?
• Is your eye always able of not looking with a lust to an opposite sex?
• Did you still tell a lie? Is your tongue utter exaggerated words? (that is also a form of lying)
• Have you stealing something even if it small of value?

Many Christian are indeed struggling with those sins. They are continually struggling with the “sin of omission” besides the “sin of commission” they did almost everyday such as by not reading the bible, not praying and not doing other essential things for spiritual growth. Others are not struggling anymore, they continue in willful sin.

It is a fact, just like Paul, in some degree or another every Christian will struggle and be slave to sin and that is the bad news. But the good news is, the more (struggle) sin we have the more grace abound and the more grace abound the more power and strength from God we can have to overcome any struggles and slavery of sin.

One thing is very important so the grace of God will abound and the divine enablement we need for us to do not what the flesh desires (which is evil) but to do what the Spirit desires(which resides within) is, we must humble ourselves before God.

How then, can we humble ourselves before God? In Rom 7:24, Paul humbly expressed himself to God, he said, “O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? In verse 25, Paul found one person to whom he can put his trust. He give thanks to God, because through Jesus he can now do what he cannot do before when he is not yet a believer. And that is to completely overcome the sin living in the members of his body. Not by his own strength and not instantly but little by little by the grace of God that in turn became his divine enablement, Paul escape from the sin that enslaving him. Thus he was continually delivered from the fleshly evil desires.

Do you want to be set free from the sin that you know is sinful which you hate but you do it repeatedly every time you desire to do good?

You can not do it alone. You need the grace of God that is so abound. The only thing you must do is to be humble so God will give you grace but if you are purse-proud, God will resist you. Jam 4:6,“God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble and
oppressed.”

Surpass the Law

We are not under the Law! And Yet! We are NOW under the Law!

Watch the Video

We are not Under the Law Part 2

We are not under the Law just because on one simple reason. The “law that was heard of long ago” (the Ten Commandments heard by the Israelites from Moses) could literally be obey by any person just to be seen by men. And that kind of obedience to the law is what the bible called as hypocrisy. That’s why man cannot attain salvation by the works of the law.

As far as obedience to the law is concerned, the Pharisees and the Sadducees are the most highly regarded “good person” in the time of Jesus. They strictly follow the law of Moses and the Prophets religiously perfect. In fact Saul that become Paul being a Jew then, as of keeping the law he is Pharisee and more zealous to God beyond in all good and religious people in his nation. He was greater than the Pharisees and expert of the law because he was a well-trained and top graduated student of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). But when he met Jesus on the way to the Damascus road he became a new man. He realized all “good works” are all hypocrisy that he then counts everything as nothing and rubbish (Phil 3:8). Christ now is everything for him. He came to the full understanding of the law in a way different from he already known before.

This can we know, that how much sincere a man of doing all “good works” and even how so strict and religious in obeying the law, unless he was regenerated and unless he come to know the real intent of the law, all of his works will be count short as hypocritical- all ends up as nothing and rubbish. All seems good works to man is not good enough for him to enter heaven. In the sight of God, all good works of man are as filthy rags (Isa 64:6). Man needs Christ. He is more than enough which man can be save through only him. Not by works or obeying the law but by the grace of God and through faith man can receive such salvation, which offered as a gift to anyone.

Now concerning the law, which Jesus told, “I tell you now…” is now a law, which directly points toward the inner man. It deals the whole being of a man of how, when, where and what he act, speak and most importantly is the way he think. It reveals what he really is, not only his outward appearances but also more on the inside.

Jesus sharply rebukes the Pharisees and the Doctor of the Law (the Ph.D., the Doctor of Divinity, the Doctor of Theology, and others, etc.) because of their hypocrisy. They outwardly obey the Law of Moses (including the Ten Commandments) but inwardly they are like as sepulcher full of dead bones.

In light of the Law Jesus had told “Now”, we have a law that serves as a guiding light, a measuring rod and a perfect set of standards for us of how can we as what Jesus said, we must surpass the righteousness of the Scribes and the Pharisees. (Mat 5:20)

We can have a righteousness that will surpass their righteousness (Pharisees righteousness based on their traditions and rituals) by surpassing the Law they have heard of long ago.

We must undertake the Law, the Law that Jesus told “Now”.

This mean to say, that we are not under the Law, which is in the literal form (written in the two tablets of stone). We are under the Law which Paul said, “The Law is spiritual”, that are (must be) written in the hearts (and in the mind).

Love is Law

It’s the same, Law is love, both end up in Law and Love and vise versa. The actual sum of the Ten Commandments is Love and Law.

Law and Love is intertwined and directly related to each other as can be seen in 1 Cor 13: 4-6,

Love is always patient, Love is always kind- directly related to the 6th commandment
Love is never envious – directly related to the 10th commandment
Or vaunted up with pride. Nor is she conceited – directly related to the 9th commandment,
And never is she rude – directly related to the 5th commandment,
Never does she think of self – directly related to the 7th and 8th commandment
Or ever get annoyed. She never is resentful – directly related to the 6th commandment,
Is never glad with sin – directly related to the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th commandment,
But always glad to side with truth – directly related to the 1st to 10th commandments.

1 Cor 13:4-6 clearly reveals our duty to God and that is to love God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength and our duty to others, and that is to love our neighbor as ourself.

We can perform our duty to God (the 1st to the 4th commandment) through love by not rejoicing with sin. Sin is hatred toward God.

We can perform our duty to our neighbors (the 5th to the 10th commandment) through love by being always patient and kind to them, by not envious on them, by not being boastful-a form of lying, by not becoming rude to them, by not becoming selfish, and by not being happy with evil.

By performing our duty to God and our duty to our neighbors through love, we are actually obeying the Law, which is the Ten Commandments.

Therefore, Love is the fulfillment of the Law.(Rom 13:10)

Therefore the Law is still binding, has a great relevance until today and it is the standard of our Christian living because the Law is all about Love and Love is all about the Law.

The person who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I, too, will love him and reveal myself to him." (Joh 14:21)

He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (1Jn 2:4)

"If you love me, keep my commandments. (Joh 14:15)