“We should do everything Jesus said,” is one of the most dangerous and thoughtless doctrines you’ll ever hear. And you’ll only hear it from hypocrites. I guarantee you that those who say we must do everything Jesus said aren’t doing everything He said themselves. Jesus said, “Be perfect” (Mt 5:48). If you are not perfect, then you have no business demanding perfection from others.
Jesus preached words that the whole world needs to hear but you are not the whole world. Some of what He said was meant for other people:
- Jesus called the Pharisees sons of hell (Mt 23:15). You are not a son of hell! So why would you heed words meant for the sons of hell?
- Jesus also told the Pharisees they belonged to their father the devil (Joh 8:44). You belong to your Father in heaven (1 Jn 3:1). So why would you heed words intended for the devil’s children?
- Jesus even preached to the devil (Lk 4). Are you the devil? Then you should not assume that words directed to the devil were meant for you.
Some of what Jesus said was meant for another time. For instance, Jesus preached the law to those born under the law. Since you are not under law, the law that Jesus preached to them is not for you. If you think you must keep the law to be righteous/blessed/holy/forgiven, then you have set aside grace and Christ died for nothing.
Jesus was the greatest law preacher who ever lived. Yet He never preached the law to non-Jews and He didn’t preach it after the cross. In a recent post I explained how and why He preached the law. In my next post I will show you five ways that Jesus also revealed grace. (It’s going to be good!)
Jesus’ law ministry reached its fulfillment on the cross. The law-keeping covenant has come and gone. The new covenant of grace, in contrast, is eternal. As we will see, Jesus’ revelation of grace is as important today as it ever was.
___
Related posts:
- John 14:15: The commands of Jesus
- Chop off your hand?! Was Jesus serious?
- Whose medicine are you taking? The dangers of taking scripture out of context
Good post-BTW thanks for the GraceQuotes site as well-I found a translation/paraphrase of the Bible on it- The Mirror Translation-that is really good.
Comment by Grant — January 30, 2012 @ 12:31 am |
I thought that I was the only one that had that revelation! I was just like your typical Christian back in the 90′s, full of zeal and ready to set the world on “fire” for Jesus, when I received this wisdom. A Christian friend of mine was wanting me to picket an abortion clinic here in the United States, and I did not feel like going. After the opportunity passed, I began to feel condemned for not going with my friend. I mean, what kind of Christian would not jump at the chance to “show off” in front of all those TV cameras that were going to be there? So I went to the bible to find out what Jesus said about political activism, and what our responsibilities were. Guess what? Jesus did not say anything regarding the earthly kingdoms except “render unto Caesar what is Caesar’s, and God what is God’s.” This lead me to realize that the immoral government laws and regulations of the day was not an “attack” by the enemy, but rather a by-product of the church’s concentration on the Law, and not teaching the full gospel of Grace. The strength of sin is in the law, and the evidence shows that the more laws a society has, the more crimes that are committed. That is very true here in the United States. Jesus did not address the government systems of the day because they were of this world. Jesus addressed only the Jews because they were the only people who had a covenant with God. The Scribes, Pharisees, and the Sadducees were instruments of Satan back then much like certain clergy members are today. When I had this revelation, I wanted to rebuke it as “doctrines of demons” as one “friend” of mine told me it was. However, as I have grown in Christ, I realized that that incident in my life was the sowing of the seed of Grace in my life. I have since had a VERY hard time “assembling myself with other believers.” I just cannot reconcile a “balancing” of Grace with works. I would rather go to sites like this and be blessed instead of attend church with a filter on my mind. I believe that God has called me to teach and preach the unadulterated gospel of Grace in this country. I ask that you believe that with me, and we will see the true manifestations of the sons of God!
Comment by Brian Lawrence — January 30, 2012 @ 4:03 am |
Brian … I have since had a VERY hard time “assembling myself with other believers.” So much true in our lives with my wife as well. But I believe, that God is raising up a new generation of Christians living and enjoying radical Grace so we can actually meet physically as a Church as well.
Be blessed.
Comment by Martin Svikruha — January 30, 2012 @ 8:00 am |
bro i feel you today i just couldn’t go church for same reason-law being hammered. prefer to watch tv or listen to jp
Comment by anafa — January 30, 2012 @ 8:19 am |
Brian, with all my heart i am completely agreeing with you. As the Holy Spirit revealed “that in the ages to come He will show the EXCEEDING RICHES of His GRACE in His KINDNESS towards us through Christ Jesus”, we are surely the ages to come.I am from the Philippines working here in Saudi Arabia fully concentrated on the grace and goodness of God. I fall in love with Jesus day by day because of Grace (revealing the goodness and wonderfullness of God). I have a complete records of Joseph Prince preaching in Houston,Texas (Joel Osteen Ministries) and i saw a lot of Americans rejoicing beyond compare on the grace messages.
Comment by Efren G. Maglonzo — February 21, 2012 @ 2:20 am |
“Some of what Jesus said was meant for another time. For instance, Jesus preached the law to those born under the law. Since you are not under law, the law that Jesus preached to them is not for you. If you think you must keep the law to be righteous/blessed/holy/forgiven, then you have set aside grace and Christ died for nothing.”
Oh Paul I just love that statement! This is why we need to wear ‘cross tinted glasses’. This is one of the reasons why the Word has to be rightly divided.
Keep on keeping on Paul!
Comment by MrDave — January 30, 2012 @ 4:24 am |
and surely the most basic reason why atheism is being touted as alternative is the law!
Comment by anafa — January 30, 2012 @ 8:38 am |
Do you have any insights into Jesus’ parables like the sower? I have heard so much emphasis on we must break up our fallow ground to ensure we are good soil that the emphasis is on us rather than Jesus’ finished work. I think He is saying more about Himself being the good fertile soil that the seed/Word grows in
Comment by Grant — January 31, 2012 @ 1:33 am |
Very thoughtful….definitely true.
Comment by Priscilla — January 31, 2012 @ 3:22 am |
How wonderfully refreshing!!! So many seem to say that “if Jesus said it, it is to be followed.”
Even more distressing is the statement that “all the scripture is without error,: and thus is be for obeyed absolutely.” Oh my,,,surely the Lord has made you to be a breath of fresh air in the all-too-often “smoggy” air of Christian “teaching”…
I “just happened” upon your site and immediately rejoiced in the expression of such freedom and joy that is ours in the life in Christ..
Thank you!.
Comment by Joanne — January 31, 2012 @ 7:52 am |
That concerns me people wanting to leave churches and be alone.God ordained the local church.Local church has a function for the body and the community.Loved the post and can’t wait for the next goodies.thank you.
Comment by Sandy — January 31, 2012 @ 12:05 pm |
Sandy – When the local church is not established, then it is better to not have to sort out the teachings every week of denominationalism that lead people to a life of defeat and lack. We should not go to church to fulfill our “duties.” In my locale there is no organized body of believers that teach the whole truth. It is not my job, nor anyone else’s for that matter, to insert myself into a body of believers, and undermine the teachings of the established pastor. In my effort to communicate the truth and to see people set free, it would actually do more harm than good. The Holy Spirit is capable enough to do works in those particular bodies through decency and order. I would be nothing more than a usurper with the truth, and I believe that there is a better path. I am called to speak the truth in this area, but not on another man’s foundation. God is big enough to cause the circumstances to fall into place to give rise to a revolution that is not birthed out of rebellion. God truly did ordain the local church, but He did not ordain the local “Jesus Club.” The misrepresentation of Jesus is the single most destructive weapon facing the church today. People do not reject Jesus, they reject the “other Jesus” that brings condemnation and judgement. Grace to you, and blessings on your journey.
Comment by Brian Lawrence — February 2, 2012 @ 2:23 pm |
Thank you for your reply. Your wisdom is well received. I have just recently moved to North Carolina from Houston TX where my family and I were members at Lakewood. We were fortunate enough to see all three messages by Pastor Prince. The anointing was unlike any other that I have experienced. It has been the inspiration that has caused me to move back to my hometown and start a good work. We are no longer under a bowl but we are to be placed on a stand. Be a light. Thank you for your agreement.
Comment by Brian Lawrence — February 21, 2012 @ 10:44 am |