MY QUESTION TO STEVE KOZAR: BAPTISMAL REGENERATION

 (60) Responding to Sean Christie: Part One - YouTube

I can't go any further without responding to Steve Kozar's response to Sean Christie (Revealing Truth).

Sean Christie has posted a new video (below) which will hopefully silence these troublemakers, although I will not hold my breath. Kozar and Long have gained some credibility amongst Christians due to their refutations against NAR heretics. However, I now begin to wonder if their plan was to launch a spiritual hand grenade onto the body of Christ all along. (2 Peter 2:1). I have had reservations about Kozar in particular for some time, but I put this down to personality rather than anything I could pinpoint definitively. Kozar's various slanderous responses to Christie's original video now confirm that my previous uneasiness about him was based on something other than personality. (Proverbs 8:13). 

Kozar refers to "..amateur discernment bloggers who seem to have the viewpoint of 'it's me and my bible against the world, I'm just going to do this all by myself.'" 

My question to Steve Kozar: Who are you to say who can or cannot challenge various troubling developments and doctrines within the church?  

Kozar's comment reminds me of my experience at Holy Trinity CofE Church in Leicester some years ago when I questioned the antics of the then vicar John McGinley and his promotion of various deviant teachings. I went to John McGinley's house one evening to discuss my concerns, and at one point he said to me "Who are you to question us?"  My response was that what I was observing did not line up with the scriptures, and I asked him why I should not question him. John McGinley has now morphed into an NAR "apostle" and he is an associate of Emma Stark, Rebecca King and other false teachers. {1} If we do not test the spirits, and if we allow the "experts" to instruct us unchallenged, I think that we would be in real trouble! (1 John 4:1). Kozar appears to have taken a leaf out of the false NAR teachers' book by misapplying Matthew 7:1 "judge not"!

One accusation levelled against Christie was that he did not take the time to find out what Kozar and Long really believe. If you cannot put a good case for your so-called "doctrine" in a one-hour-plus video, then there is something wrong. According to Kozar, we need to spend several hours studying the subject of infant baptism and baptismal regeneration before we can question their view. I disagree. I heard enough in their original 1.23 hour video to set alarm bells ringing. {2} 

Another accusation against Christie is, apparently, he does not have a PhD and he is not qualified to challenge those who "know what they are talking about". Christie does not mention whether he has any theological qualifications or not on his YouTube channel, but as far as I am concerned, provided his teaching is sound, this is not an issue. Whatever qualifications we have, they are not banners to be waved around to impress or intimidate others. We only have to look at Paul's boasts in the flesh to understand that on their own qualifications mean absolutely nothing. (Philippians 3:4-6).

My understanding from Kozar, without spending hours and hours reading the PhD's he recommends, is that according to Lutheran doctrine, baptism is and is not salvific.  

A bewildering number of views exist amongst those who promote baptismal regeneration. 

Jordan Cooper and Gavin Ortlund sum up the Lutheran view of baptism as "the ordinary means of regeneration.. baptism is not absolutely necessary for salvation, but it is ordinarily necessary for salvation..  there are exceptions to that."  Chris Rosebrough calls out Michael Brown as "the apostle of obfuscation", but really, you would have to go a long way to make up anything more obscure, unclear or unintelligible as the Lutheran doctrine of baptismal regeneration. What Christie noticed was that Lutherans pay a lot of attention to the Roman Catholic doctrine of baptismal regeneration and I agree with him that this is a concern.

 

1. Conversations - Episode 120 with Rebecca King, Emma Stark and John McGinley - YouTube
2. (60) Baptism Is Not A Work! A Discussion between Steve and Paulette Kozar and Dan Long - YouTube

STEVE KOZAR: INFANT BAPTISM AND BAPTISMAL REGENERATION

 (35) A Lutheran Response to Mike Winger on Infant Baptism (Repost from Pastor Matt Knuppel) - YouTube

Steve Kozar recently posted the above video which is Lutheran Pastor Matt Knuppel's (Grace Lutheran Church) response to Mike Winger's analysis of infant baptism. Kozar has come out of the wicked NAR/Charismania deception, but unfortunately he continues to have problems with basic theology. Very sadly he and Daniel Long are currently busy muddying the waters by foisting the aberrant teachings of Lutheranism onto the body of Christ. This topic is salvific i.e. it pertains to salvation and as such, it is a primary, not a secondary issue.

Why begin with the Lutheran Confessions?

Knuppel: "What do Lutherans believe about baptism in general?" He goes on to quote Article 9 of the Augsburg Confessions and the Small Catechism. Surely we should begin with the scriptures rather than Luther! The general consensus is that Luther and the other reformers did not go far enough with their reforms. Luther made some terrible blunders, not to mention his legendary antisemitism. Luther's first German translation of the scriptures omitted 25 books (i.e., Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Esther, Job, Ecclesiastes, Jonah, Tobias, Judith, Wisdom, Sirach (i.e., Ecclesiasticus), Baruch, 1 and 2 Maccabees, Matthew, Luke, John, Acts, Romans, Hebrews, James, Jude and Revelation. Luther referred to the Epistle of James as "straw not worthy to be burned in my oven as tinder".  He referred to other books as "Judaizing nonsense". {1} It is obvious to me that Luther was a very arrogant man and that we should not hang onto his every word! What we find below is Luther's view of baptism which goes beyond what is written and is unsupported by the scriptures. (1 Corinthians 4:6).

 

The Small Catechism: 

First
What is Baptism?

Baptism is not just plain water, but it is the water included in God’s command and combined with God’s word.
Which is that word of God?

Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Matthew: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” (Matt. 28:19)

Second
What benefits does Baptism give?

It works forgiveness of sins, rescues from death and the devil, and gives eternal salvation to all who believe this, as the words and promises of God declare.
Which are these words and promises of God?

Christ our Lord says in the last chapter of Mark: “Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:16)

Third

How can water do such great things?

Certainly not just water, but the word of God in and with the water does these things, along with the faith which trusts this word of God in the water. For without God’s word the water is plain water and no Baptism. But with the word of God it is a Baptism, that is, a life-giving water, rich in grace, and a washing of the new birth in the Holy Spirit, as St. Paul says in Titus, chapter three: “He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying.” (Titus 3:5–8)

Knuppel: "Baptism is a means of grace that works forgiveness of sins.. Water, all by itself, without any word of God is just plain water. You can drink it, you can use it to wash your car; but with the word of God, with God's word of promise, it is no longer just plain water, but it becomes a holy baptism.." The claim that the actual water (H2O) changes mystically in baptism has no biblical support whatsoever. This idea is similar to the Lutheran doctrine of the real presence in the Lord's supper (consubstantiation), which is an unfortunate throwback to the Roman Catholic Church.

Household Baptisms

Knuppel refused to spend time responding to arguments against the inclusion of infants into household baptisms in the book of Acts, although he thinks this is "strongly possible". I am not surprised that Knuppel is unwilling to substantiate his views on this subject. There are definite weaknesses with the view that entire households, including infants, were baptized. For instance, it is not feasible that infants belonging to the "entire household" of the jailer mentioned in Acts 16 heard the gospel, believed and rejoiced. Infants by definition would not have understood the gospel. 

Then he brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household.” And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds; and he was baptized at once, he and all his family. Then he brought them up into his house and set food before them. And he rejoiced along with his entire household that he had believed in God. (Acts 16:30-34).

The scriptures show that faith precedes baptism. By necessity, baptism is a subsequent act that arises from faith and repentance. In other words, salvation occurs when believers receive the Holy Spirit prior to baptism. Otherwise, the thief on the cross would not be saved and there would be no deathbed conversions. (Luke 23:43).

Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days. (Acts 10:46-48).

The Lord opened Lydia's heart to respond to Paul's message and baptism followed:

Among those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. And when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, “If you consider me a believer in the Lord, come and stay at my house.” And she persuaded us. (Acts 16:14-15).

So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls. (Acts 2:41).

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:16).

And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 2:38).

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (John 3:3 cf. John 3:16. 5:24; Acts 8:12, 11:16).

Or aren’t you aware that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:3-4).

Gill: "..because baptism is an ordinance of his; it is to submit to it with a view to his glory, to testify our affection for him, and subjection to him, without laying any stress or dependence on it for salvation; such who are thus baptized, are "baptized into his death"; they not only resemble Christ in his sufferings and death, by being immersed in water, but they declare their faith in the death of Christ, and also share in the benefits of his death; such as peace, pardon, righteousness, and atonement: now this proves, that such persons are dead to sin, who are so baptized; for by the death of Christ, into which they are baptized, they are justified from sin; by the death of Christ, their old man is crucified, and the body of sin destroyed; besides, believers in baptism profess themselves to be dead to sin and the world, and their baptism is an obligation upon them to live unto righteousness." {2} 

Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:16). The early church appears to have performed baptism at a very early stage in the lives of believers (arguably on the same day). (Acts 8:36; 10:47 etc.). The emphasis in this verse is on whoever believes/does not believe. Given all the other scriptures confirming that faith precedes baptism, it is a reasonable deduction that the inclusion of baptism in this instance is based on the assumption that baptism will occur within a very short period following conversion. 

..when God’s patience waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was being prepared, in which a few, that is, eight persons, were brought safely through water. Baptism, which corresponds to this, now saves you, not as a removal of dirt from the body but as an appeal to God for a good conscience, through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, (1 Peter 3:20-21). A good conscience is pledged at the point of baptism. The scriptures indicate that baptism was performed on those capable of personally believing in Jesus Christ, pledging a good conscience, and calling on His name. (Acts 22:16).

 

Baptism and Circumcision

Baptism differs from circumcision in a number of ways. A key difference is that inclusion into the New Covenant is not something that parents can do for their children by proxy. Biblical faith is a personal saving relationship and a commitment to Jesus Christ. A definite command in the Old Testament was that only male children were to be circumcised at eight days old. (Leviticus 12:3). Infants were automatically included in the community of Israel when they were circumcised. Although children of believers have the advantage of being part of a Christian family, they are not considered to be Christian in their own right until they are old enough to make a personal commitment to Jesus Christ through faith. The sign of the new covenant is the Holy Spirit: For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. (Romans 2:28-29).

Paul contrasts circumcision and baptism as follows:

In Him you were also circumcised, in the putting off of your sinful nature, with the circumcision performed by Christ and not by human hands. And having been buried with Him in baptism, you were raised with Him through your faith in the power of God, who raised Him from the dead.When you were dead in your trespasses and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our trespasses.. (Colossians 2:11-13).

Parallels between Genesis 17 and Acts 2

Genesis 17:9-14

And God said to Abraham, “As for you, you shall keep my covenant, you and your offspring after you throughout their generations. This is my covenant, which you shall keep, between me and you and your offspring after you: Every male among you shall be circumcised. You shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and you. He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised. Every male throughout your generations, whether born in your house or bought with your money from any foreigner who is not of your offspring, both he who is born in your house and he who is bought with your money, shall surely be circumcised. So shall my covenant be in your flesh an everlasting covenant. Any uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin shall be cut off from his people; he has broken my covenant.”

Acts 2:38-39
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”

In the above passages, descendants or posterity are denoted not infants.

Cambridge Bible: "39. the promise is unto you, and to your children] Just as “to Abraham and his seed were the promises made” {3}

Expositors Greek Testament: "Acts 2:39. ὑμῖν γὰρ: the promise was made to the very men who had invoked upon themselves and upon their children, St. Matthew 27:25, the blood of the Crucified." {4}

 

The sign of the old covenant was circumcision (Genesis 17:10-14), whereas the sign of the new covenant is the Holy Spirit:

For circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law, but if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So, if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then he who is physically uncircumcised but keeps the law will condemn you who have the written coded and circumcision but break the law. For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly, nor is circumcision outward and physical. But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. (Romans 2:25-28).

The Wartburg Castle has recently posted further revisions and updates, including a video by Hans Fiene: (48) "WhaddaBout the Thief on the Cross??" by Pastor Hans Fiene - YouTube This video is described as "satire" and it is supposed to be amusing. According to Fein, there are two ways to be saved: "Just because someone can be saved apart from baptism doesn't change the fact that baptism saves."  This presents us with the confusing concept that baptism can save someone, but that it is not required for salvation. Perhaps I don't have the Lutheran "superior knowledge", but this does not make one jot of sense to me. 

Kozar and his Lutheran associates should be very careful about mocking those who hold the biblical view of salvation by faith through grace. (Ephesians 6:8). In my view, their scripture twisting and mockery are likely to incur the wrath of God. (Galatians 6:7; Proverbs 18:7). 

1. Luther's canon - Wikipedia
2. Romans 6 Gill's Exposition (biblehub.com)
3. (Galatians 3:16),
4. Acts 2:39 Commentaries: "For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God will call to Himself." (biblehub.com)

Further Links:

(44) FALSE TEACHER CHRIS ROSEBROUGH-LUTHERANISM-FIGHTING FOR THE FAITH
(44) #340 Chris Rosebrough's Defence of Idolatrous Statues of Christ | MEGIDDO RADIO - YouTube
(48) A Biblical Analysis of Infant Baptism - YouTube
(48) Controversies and Biblical Clarity on Baptism - YouTube
(48) Debate: "Is Water Baptism Required for Salvation?” Dean Meadows and Mike Winger - YouTube
(58) Water Baptism DOES NOT Save - Explaining 1 Peter 3:20-21 - YouTube

LEE BRAINARD'S PHONY TRANSLATION OF EUSEBIUS DOES NOT PROVE THE PRE-TRIB RAPTURE!

(38) The PRE-TRIB RAPTURE According to EUSEBIUS | Guest: Lee Brainard - YouTube

The pre-trib camp has been desperate to find confirmation of a pre-tribulation rapture amongst the Church Fathers for many years, but despite all their efforts, they have failed to do so. 

Brainard is not the trailblazer or the Greek expert he claims to be in this interview with Lamb and Lion Ministries. Brainard: "I have uncovered passages in Eusebius that were unknown to the evangelical world." Unless evangelical scholars live in a bubble, they will be aware of Eusebius. Author and historian Roger Pearse published the first-ever translation of Eusebius into English in 2017. This translation includes the Greek text printed in the Sources Chrétiennes edition, and also fragments of the Greek, Latin, Syriac, Coptic and Arabic versions in medieval bible commentaries. Alex Poulos' translation (published by Pearse) differs from Brainard's translation.

Alex Poulos' translation

“And just as happened in the days of Noah…” (Lk. 17:26)

As was stated,[1] he says that the destruction of the wicked will take place like it did for those who lived at the time of the flood, since the message of the gospel had been driven out due to their apostasy. Indeed, just as he destroyed all people then, except those who had gone with Noah into the ark, so too at his coming he will shut out and destroy as in the days of Noah the ungodly and unfaithful, who waste their time on luxury, sex, drink, and the pleasures of this life.

So that no one would think these too will perish through water, he needed also to use the example of Lot— “Just as it happened in the days of Lot: ‘they were eating, drinking etc.’ but on the day that Lot left Sodom, he rained fire from heaven and destroyed everyone. It will be the same on the day when the Son of Man is revealed.” He thereby teaches that unspeakably terrible wrath will come upon all the wicked as fire and brimstone sent from heaven. Thus, the word of the prophet is extended to the wicked who pray for that day to come— “Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord!” Why? “it will be darkness to you, and not light; a day of darkness and shadow, a day of dispair and disgrace” (Amos 5:18). The Savior was extremely precise in his observation when he said that the divine fire from heaven did not come down upon the wicked in Sodom until Lot went out and was separated from them. It was the same way at the flood, when he came and destroyed all the inhabitants of the earth only after Noah had entered the ark. [24.585] He says that it will be the same at the end of the age: the cataclysm of destruction for the wicked will not occur until those men found to belong to God are gathered into the heavenly ark, in accordance with the example of Noah. To these this word of the prophet will be spoken: “Go, my people, enter into your inner room… until the wrath of the Lord passes by” (Is. 26:20). Now just as in the time of Lot he acted so that the righteous did not perish along with the wicked, so at the end of age this destruction will not take place until all the righteous and God-fearing men on the earth are separated from the wicked and gathered into God’s heavenly ark. So when no righteous man can any longer be found among men, but all are godless, impious, and born from the antichrist and apostasy rules throughout the whole world, then the wrath of God will come upon the wicked. {1} 

Pearse's publication confirms the prewrath rapture position. Eusebius refers to the righteous being taken (raptured) immediately before the wrath of God falls upon the unrighteous at the end of the great tribulation. (Matthew 24:21-22,30-31). In other words, the rapture will occur between the sixth and seventh seal of Revelation. (Revelation 6:17). 

Lee Brainard's translation

As all perished then except those gathered with Noah in the ark, so also at his coming, the ungodly in the season of apostasy shall perish, while according to the pattern of Noah, all the righteous and godly are to be separated from the ungodly and gathered into the heavenly ark. For in this way comes a time when not even one righteous man will be found any more amongst mankind, and when all the ungodly have been made atheists by the Antichrist, and the whole world is overcome by apostasy the wrath of God shall come upon the ungodly. {2} 

Brainard: "So, you notice the order here. First, the righteous are removed from the presence of the ungodly and taken to the heavenly ark. And then there’s a season of apostasy down here on earth where not even one righteous man is going to be found, and the Antichrist is going to take all the ungodly and make them all perfect atheists, and then the wrath of God will come at the Second Coming." {2}

Regarding Brainard's "original" translation of Eusebius' commentary on Isaiah 43:5-6: Eusebius' commentary on Isaiah was translated into English by Jonathan J Armstrong in 2013. {3} Jonathan J Armstrong (Ph.D., Fordham University) is assistant professor of Bible and theology at Moody Bible Institute - Spokane, Washington. {4}

Pseudo Ephraim (Ephrem the Syrian) is another example of Brainard's duplicity! Please refer to Dave MacPherson's article on this subject written in 2017: WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: PSEUDO-EPHRAEM TAUGHT PRETRIB - NOT! BY DAVE MACPHERSON (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

Brainard's claim that he is doing original research is patently untrue - he is certainly no "Indiana Jones". Furthermore, Brainard is either incompetent or unwilling to give an accurate interpretation of Eusebius and Pseudo Ephraim. Neither of these sources teach a pre-tribulation rapture.

Alan Kurschner: "Every early church father who wrote on this topic believed that the church would face the Antichrist.. It is common knowledge that the church fathers used terms like 'the tribulation' or 'the great tribulation' to refer to God's wrath. Yet can you provide a single instance where Ephraim or an early writer claimed that the church will be raptured before the Antichrist arrives?" {5}

Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. (1 John 4:1 cf. Ephesians 4:25).

1. Eusebius of Caesarea, Commentary on Luke – now online in English – Roger Pearse (roger-pearse.com)
2. The Pre-Trib Rapture According to Eusebius with Lee Brainard | Rapture | Lamb and Lion Ministries (christinprophecy.org)
3. Fourth Century Christianity » Eusebius of Caesarea – Commentary on Isaiah4. Jonathan J. Armstrong - InterVarsity Press (ivpress.com)
4. Jonathan J. Armstrong - InterVarsity Press (ivpress.com)5. A Reply to Lee W. Brainard | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)
5. Bible Prophecy Daily™ on Twitter: "@soothkeep It is common knowledge that the church fathers used terms like "the tribulation" or "the great tribulation" to refer to God's wrath. Yet can you provide a single instance where Ephraim or an early writer claimed that the church will be raptured before the Antichrist arrives?" / Twitter

JAN MARKELL AND FRIENDS: WHEN THE PRE-TRIB RAPTURE FAILS

 (23) Jan Markell 🔥 SHOCKING PROPHECY 2022 🔥 When Your Church Awakens to Wokeness - YouTube

Above: Jan Markell and Brandon Holthaus discuss how to find a sound church in the wake of wokeness and many other heresies currently overtaking the churches. It appears that finding a good church is a significant problem for Christians today whatever their location. Holthaus maintains that travelling many miles to a sound church is an option that should not be rejected. That is a solution for some perhaps, although it does exclude the sick, the elderly, those without transport and the poor. I also think that families with young children would struggle with this option. In other words, the marginalized people that Jesus particularly cares for are excluded. My own view is that believers should try to meet locally, although I know from personal experience that this can be difficult. (Matthew 18:20).

I am particularly concerned that Jan and her friends are more fixed on the pre-trib rapture than ever. They believe that the pre-trib rapture will happen very soon as we see globalism increasing exponentially. I am cautious, but I agree that it appears that we are not very far from the 70th week of Daniel i.e. the period pre-tribbers refer to as "the tribulation". 

The pre-trib view maintains that believers will be raptured before the onset of the 70th week of Daniel. The markers that identify the beginning of the 70th week are the "strong covenant" the Antichrist makes or confirms with many, and the construction of the third temple in conjunction with the reinstitution of the temple sacrifices. (Daniel 9:27). My hope is that when these things happen, pre-trib believers will prepare themselves for the Antichrist's persecution. (Matthew 24:15; Revelation 12:17). I can understand why Jan and others reject the flawed post-trib view i.e. the view that the rapture will occur at the end of the 70th week of Daniel. Teachers like Joe Schimmel (Left Behind or Led Astray) have correctly identified the weaknesses of the pre-trib view, but they have failed to address the flaws in their own post-trib view. {1} It is tragic that Schimmel and others are unwilling to apply the same hermeneutical principles they have employed in opposing pre-trib to themselves. Schimmel's credibility ultimately depends upon his ability to demonstrate the soundness of his own view. (1 John 4:1).

Having studied the prewrath position extensively, I believe that this view comprehensively addresses the problems associated with other views. My prayer is that believers will take the time to give this position serious consideration. I recommend the documentary below produced by Alan Kurschner and produced/directed by Chris White.  

 

The Basics
The Precursor Problem
The Olivet Discourse Problem
The 2nd Thessalonian Problem
The Revelation Problem
The Imminence Problem
The Church and Israel Problem
The Early Church Problem

I have raised my eyebrows at one or two of Jan's guests:

Prophecy teacher Don Stewart (Calvary Chapel) should have been disqualified from the ministry years ago! His adultery was swept under the carpet in 2011 and he has continued in "ministry" ever since!  {2} 

Jack Hibbs shares a platform with Don Stewart and he has endorsed NAR leader Che Ahn. {3} 

These are two teachers that I cannot bring myself to watch. (1 Corinthians 5:6,11).

Jan might be oblivious to the compromise of some of her guests, but we can be sure that God does not overlook these things. (Romans 2:6-10).

1. Articles for Posttribulationism to Consider | ESCHATOS MINISTRIES (alankurschner.com)
2. Scattered Sheep: January 20, 2012 Show: My Perspective on Don Stewart (scatteredsheepreport.blogspot.com)
3. (23) Jack Hibbs Endorses NAR Che Ahn l HR1154 "Conspir@cy The0rists" bill l Temple on earth @ FOT timing - YouTube

JUSTIN PETERS: MORE DOUBLE TALK!

 (21) Is There A Calvinist Conspiracy Against Christmas, Charlie Brown? - YouTube

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). 
Footnote: "Some manuscripts peace, good will among men."

Justin Peters gives a comprehensive exposition of the Greek phrase ἀνθρώποις εὐδοκία/εὐδοκίας in Luke 2:14. Brian (Faith on Fire) has some very questionable views at times.{1} Even Calvin did not relate this verse to limited atonement. 

Calvin: "Which shall be to all the people Though the angel addresses the shepherds alone, yet he plainly states, that the message of salvation which he brings is of wider extent, so that not only they, in their private capacity, may hear it, but that others may also hear. Now let it be understood, that this joy was common to all people, because, it was indiscriminately offered to all. For God had promised Christ, not to one person or to another, but to the whole seed of Abraham. If the Jews were deprived, for the most part, of the joy that was offered to them, it arose from their unbelief; just as, at the present day, God invites all indiscriminately to salvation through the Gospel, but the ingratitude of the world is the reason why this grace, which is equally offered to all, is enjoyed by few. Although this joy is confined to a few persons, yet, with respect to God, it is said to be common. When the angel says that this joy shall be to all the people, he speaks of the chosen people only; but now that, the middle wall of partition" (Ephesians 2:14) has been thrown down, the same message has reference to the whole human race. [149] For Christ proclaims peace, not only, to them that are nigh, "but to them that are, far off," (Ephesians 2:17,) to "strangers" (Ephesians 2:12) equally with citizens. But as the peculiar covenant with the Jews lasted till the resurrection of Christ, so the angel separates them from the rest of the nations." {2} 

Peters continues to quote John 6:37-39 and he asserts that no amount of hermeneutical gymnastics can deny that God has His elect. At the same time he argues for man's responsibility and accountability in responding to the gospel. Peters does not refer to himself as a Calvinist and yet he does not deny it either.

According to Peters, the teaching that man has no responsibility is only true of hyper-Calvinists. Peters: "Hyper Calvinists are about as rare as bigfoot. I have travelled all over the world and I have met very few, maybe a handful, maybe two or three people that are true hyper-Calvinists.." 

I do not know what planet Peters has been on, but the irrefutable teaching of Calvinism is summed up in the acronym TULIP. Many pastors/teachers promote five-point Calvinism in their churches, including Peters' hero John MacArthur. This aberrant teaching is not limited to "two or three people".

• Total depravity. Human beings are dead in their sins, and they stand justly condemned before God, unable to do anything to save themselves.

• Unconditional election. From eternity, God in his sovereignty chose specific human beings to be saved. That salvation was determined entirely by God, not simply God’s foreknowledge of who would respond to his offer of grace.

• Limited atonement. Also known as “particular redemption,” the doctrine teaches the death of Jesus Christ was intended for the remission of the sins of elect human beings only; in other words, the intention of the atonement and its effects are the same.

• Irresistible grace. Many Calvinists prefer the term “effectual calling” to express this idea—God’s call to salvation will not fail to bring about the repentance and faith of the elect.

• Perseverance of the saints. This doctrine teaches all true believers in Christ will be saved because God grants them faith to persist to the end of life, and God will keep them safe.

Why does Peters think that Calvinism is so very controversial and that it is responsible for causing numerous church splits and pain to countless believers? 

Everyone the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but to do the will of Him who sent Me. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that I shall lose none of those He has given Me, but raise them up at the last day. For it is My Father’s will that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” At this, the Jews began to grumble about Jesus because He had said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” They were asking, “Is this not Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How then can He say, ‘I have come down from heaven?’”“Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus replied. “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him, and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:37-44).

Soteriology 101: "There are two basic ways to interpret this passage and it hinges on the words “draws” and “them.” Let’s look at the two renderings side by side:
Calvinists: 'No man can come to me unless the Father who sent me *drags* him, and I will raise up *him who was dragged* at the last day.'
Traditionalists: 'No man can come to me unless the Father who sent me *enables* him, and I will raise up *him who comes* at the last day.'
The Greek sentence structure allows for the author to be referencing 'them' who come, not necessarily all those drawn. For instance if the sentence translated in English were structured in this manner the intention might be more obvious:
'Only those drawn by the Father may come, and I will raise up them (those that come) at the last day..'” {3} 

 

1. WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: BRIAN (FAITH ON FIRE) CAN WE SEPARATE FAITH AND REPENTANCE? (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)
2. Luke 2 Calvin's Commentaries (biblehub.com)
3. JOHN 6:44 – SOTERIOLOGY 101

EMMA STARK'S TOILET EXPERIENCE

 (19) Tour of the Prophetic | Emma Stark & Ivan Roman - YouTube

Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. (1 John 4:1)

I am reluctant to post anything more about Emma Stark and her deranged stories. Whether she just makes up stuff or whether her alleged encounters with Jesus and angelic beings are demonic I cannot say. In any event, this stupidity is NOT from the Lord. 

In this particular video Emma claims to have been taken up to the throne room of heaven from the toilet. She also claims that Jesus has red shoes. (27:00 mark) I'm sorry but if you really do believe this nonsense then you are seriously deceived. 

The book of Revelation gives a description of Jesus'appearance, and there is no mention of red shoes! 

Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength. (Revelation 1:12-16).

The comments say it all:

BEWARE OF KEITH MALCOMSON: LATTER DAY REVIVAL DEBUNKED

Revival (weebly.com)

https://keithmalcomson.weebly.com/uploads/7/0/2/9/7029144/cut_will_there_be_another_revival.mp3

Keith Malcomson: "In this message you will hear the Biblical basis for believing that God will send more outpourings of the Holy Spirit. Many are saying that the day of revivals and genuine outpourings is over but in this message we will see that while there is a church in the earth and until Jesus returns that there will continue to be seasons of revival."

In the above message Malcomson attempts to make a case for an eschatological worldwide revival before the day of the Lord. He argues from Acts 2:17-21 and Joel 2:28-32).

 

Malcomson: "It is not enough to pray for revival.. it is not enough to read a book about revival.. that is not sufficient.. we must be absolutely convinced beyond any shadow of a doubt that God wants to, that he is going to send another revival.. we must be utterly convinced.."

Malcomson's insistence that a great end-time revival is taught in the scriptures is extremely dangerous. He emphasizes this "doctrine" to such an extent that he makes it equal to the core doctrine of repentance and faith. A worldwide revival prior to the day of the Lord is not on the list of essential doctrines. There is only one thing Christians should hold onto unswervingly ~ the gospel of Jesus Christ! 

The Cosmic Disturbances

In the last days, God says, I will pour out My Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on My menservants and maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. I will show wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the coming of the great and glorious Day of the Lord. And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ (Acts 2:17-21; Joel 2:28-32).

The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. (Joel 2:31).  

Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (Mathew 24:29).

When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place. Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” (Revelation 6:12-17).

The cosmic disturbances described in the above passages are what Malcomson refers to as a "cosmic blackout".  We know from the scriptures that the great tribulation will occupy the second half of the 70th week of Daniel and that it will be cut short by the cosmic disturbances when the sixth seal is broken. (Matthew 24:22; Revelation 6:12-14). It is at this point that the rapture becomes imminent before the seventh seal is broken. (Matthew 24:29-31). The cosmic disturbances are a precursor to the day of the Lord ..before the Day of the Lord. (Joel 2:31). 

The phrase "the day of the Lord" is repeated three times in Joel 2. (Joel 2:1,11,30). The phrase "In those days" therefore refers to a specific period of time i.e. the days immediately preceding the day of the Lord when the seventh seal is broken and the trumpets and bowl judgements come into play. (Revelation chapters 8,9,15,16).

In those days?

And my people shall never again be put to shame. You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel,

and that I am the LORD your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame. “And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions. Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit. “And I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and columns of smoke. The sun shall be turned to darkness, and the moon to blood, before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls. (Joel 2:26-32).

Joel 2:26-32 indicates finality. The Lord reiterates that Israel will never again be put to shame. Israel shall certainly be put to shame during the time known as "Jacob's trouble" i.e. during the period known as the great tribulation. (Zechariah 12:10). This information debunks the view that Joel 2:26-32 refers to a national revival in Israel prior to the great tribulation. Afterwards i.e. after Israel has repented God will pour out His spirit on all flesh. (Joel 2:28-29).

Keil and Delitzsch: "Judgment upon all nations goes side by side with the outpouring of the Spirit of God. Joel 2:30. "And I give wonders in the heavens and on earth, blood, fire, and pillars of smoke. Joel 2:31. The sun will turn into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the day of Jehovah, the great and terrible (day), comes. Joel 2:32. And it comes to pass, every one who shall call upon the name of Jehovah will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem will be fugitives, as Jehovah hath said, and among those that are left will be those whom Jehovah calls." With the word ונתתּי, Joel 2:3 is attached to Joel 2:2 as a simple continuation (Hitzig). The wonders which God will give in the heavens and upon earth are the forerunners of judgment." {1}

Constable: "Peter made a significant change in Joel’s prophecy as he quoted it from the Septuagint, and this change supports the view that he was not claiming complete fulfillment. First, he changed 'after this' (Joel 2:28) to 'in the last days' (Acts 2:17). In the context of Joel’s prophecy the time in view is the day of the Lord: the Tribulation (Joel 2:30-31) and the Millennium (Joel 2:28-29). Peter interpreted this time as the last days. Many modern interpreters believe that when Peter said "the last days" he meant the days in which he lived. However, he was not in the Tribulation or the Millennium. Thus he looked forward to the last days as being future. The "last days" is a phrase that some New Testament writers used to describe the age in which we live (2 Timothy 3:1; Hebrews 1:2; James 5:3; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 Peter 1:20; 2 Peter 3:3; 1 John 2:18; Judges 1:18), but in view of what Joel wrote that must not be its meaning here. In the Old Testament 'the last days' refers to the days before the age to come, namely, the age of Messiah’s earthly reign. That is what it means here." {2} 

Barnes: In the last days.... This expression was understood by the writers of the New Testament as referring undoubtedly to the times of the gospel. And hence they often used it as denoting that the time of the expected Messiah had come, but not to imply that the world was drawing near to an end: Hebrews 1:2, "God hath spoken in these last days by his Son"; 1 Peter 1:20, "Was manifested in these last times for you"; 2 Peter 3:3; 1 Peter 1:5; 1 John 2:18, "Little children, it is the last time," etc.; Jde 1:18. The expression the last day is applied by our Saviour to the resurrection and the day of judgment, John 6:39-40, John 6:44-45; John 11:24; John 12:48. Here the expression means simply "in those future times, when the Messiah shall have come." {3}  

Times of refreshing

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus, whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago. (Acts 3:19-21).

This message followed the healing of the lame beggar and it was directed to the Jews who had rejected Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:1-10). The "times of refreshing" was contingent upon Israel's repentance and the context is Messianic. These "times of refreshing" will be enjoyed by Israel after the return of Jesus Christ.

Thayers Greek Lexicon: "ἀνάψυξις, ἀναψύξεως, ἡ (ἀναψύχω, which see), a cooling, refreshing: Acts 3:20 (19), of the Messianic blessedness to be ushered in by the return of Christ from heaven;" {4}

 

Meyer: "καιροὶ ἀναψύξ.] seasons of refreshing: namely, the Messianic, as is self-evident and is clear from what follows. It is substantially the same as is meant in Luke 2:25 by παράκλησις τοῦ Ἰσραήλ,—namely, seasons in which, through the appearance of the Messiah in His kingdom, there shall occur blessed rest and refreshment for the people of God, after the expiration of the troublous seasons of the αἰὼν οὗτος (2 Timothy 3:1; Galatians 1:4; Acts 14:22).[145] The αἰῶνες οἱ ἐπερχόμενοι in chap. Acts 2:7 are not different from these future καιροί. This explanation is shown to be clearly right by the fact that Peter himself immediately adds, as explanatory of καιροὶ ἀναψύξ.: καὶ ἀποστείλῃ τὸν προκεχειρ. ὑμῖν Ἰησ. Χ., which points to the Parousia. {5}

The Former Rain and the Latter Rain

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. (James 5:7).

James refers to the coming of the Lord and follows it with the analogy of the early and late rains. 

Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before. (Joel 2:23).

KJV: ..the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.

Malcomson teaches that this verse indicates that the former and the latter rain will be combined together in one month, and he states that this points to "one great last revival just before Jesus comes".  Where it is written "in the first month" the word "month" was added. The Hebrew is better translated "as before". {6} 

Brown Driver Briggs: בָּרִאשֹֽׁון׃ (ba·ri·sho·vn.)

רִאשׁוֹן adjective former, first, chief {7} 

 

Ellicott: "The former rain moderately. — St. Paul adduces the gift of the rain as a witness to the people of Lystra of the existence and beneficence of God, who “gave us rain from heaven, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” The possibility of the interpretation of “the former rain moderately” out of the Hebrew words by a “teacher of righteousness,” as in the Vulg. and in our margin, has led to the connection of this passage with a prophetic intimation of the advent of the Messiah.
In the first month. — Better, as at first, as before."

Some commentaries teach that the former rain refers to the advent of the Messiah as Ellicott above. Others teach that it refers to literal rain i.e. H20. {8} There is no evidence to support Malcomson's isolated interpretation that there will be a third additional outpouring "in one month" preceding the 70th week of Daniel. (1 John 4:1).

It is appropriate for believers to preach the gospel and to hope and pray for genuine converts everywhere. (Matthew 28:19; 2 Timothy 4:2). We all want to see our friends and loved ones repent and come into the kingdom. However, there is no scriptural evidence to support the theory that God will send a worldwide revival beginning at Jerusalem before the 70th week. Joel 2:23 has been abused by various false teachers within the Latter Rain Movement as a pretext for various false revivals. The Latter Rain Movement appears to have morphed into the New Apostolic Reformation which is an extremely dangerous movement. (Romans 16:17). 

Malcomson's manic obsession regarding an eschatological worldwide revival is a false teaching. The false hope of a coming revival is foolhardy and reckless. The scriptures teach the very opposite of Malcomson 's distorted view: Matthew 24:10; Luke 13:23-24; 2 Peter 3:3; 2 Timothy 3:1, 4:3; Jude 1:18.  It is critical to take care how we interpret the scriptures, and this applies particularly to teachers. (James 3:1). Bible teachers should make very sure that they rightly divide the word of truth and are not teaching from their own presuppositions and giving false hope to the church. (2 Timothy 2:15; Jeremiah 23:16). It is easy to teach what people want to hear; it is not so easy to teach the hard things. (2 Timothy 4:3). I am reminded of the false prophet Hananiah who was in severe denial of reality and the coming judgement upon the southern kingdom. Jeremiah was stigmatized as a naysayer, and yet it was his word (or rather the Lord's word) that prevailed. Malcomson rants like a deranged cult leader: "..Don't you dare forget this message.. If they (members of his congregation) don't pray about the former and latter rain.. kick them, I tell you, do it for me.." (52:00 mark). Elsewhere he refers to those who disagree with his teaching as being influenced by "a demon of discouragement". {9} Malcomson has put himself in the position of a false prophet! (Matthew 7:15). I am very concerned indeed, both for him and for his hearers. 

Do not listen to the words of your prophets who are prophesying to you, saying, ‘Behold, the vessels of the LORD’s house will now shortly be brought back from Babylon,’ for it is a lie that they are prophesying to you. (Jeremiah 27:16; cf. Jeremiah 23:21).

Then the prophet Jeremiah spoke to Hananiah the prophet in the presence of the priests and all the people who were standing in the house of the LORD, and the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen! May the LORD do so; may the LORD make the words that you have prophesied come true, and bring back to this place from Babylon the vessels of the house of the LORD, and all the exiles. Yet hear now this word that I speak in your hearing and in the hearing of all the people. The prophets who preceded you and me from ancient times prophesied war, famine, and pestilence against many countries and great kingdoms. As for the prophet who prophesies peace, when the word of that prophet comes to pass, then it will be known that the LORD has truly sent the prophet.” (Jeremiah 28:5-9).

* See my previous post regarding Malcomson's take on Gog Magog (Ezekiel 38 and 39) and Zechariah 12-14:  WOLVES IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING: FALSE PROPHETS AND BIBLE TEACHERS IN THE LAST DAYS: KEITH MALCOMSON: SOON REVIVAL IN JERUSALEM? (bewareofthewolves.blogspot.com)

1. Joel 2 Keil and Delitzsch OT Commentary (biblehub.com)
2. Acts 2 - Dr. Constable's Expository Notes - Bible Commentaries - StudyLight.org
3. Acts 2:17 - Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org
4. Strong's Greek: 403. ἀνάψυξις (anapsuxis) -- a recovery of breath, a refreshing (biblehub.com)
5. Acts 3 Meyer's NT Commentary (biblehub.com)
6. Joel 2:23 Lexicon: So rejoice, O sons of Zion, And be glad in the LORD your God; For He has given you the early rain for your vindication. And He has poured down for you the rain, The early and latter rain as before. (biblehub.com)
7. Strong's Hebrew: 7223. רִאשׁוֹן (rishon) -- former, first, chief (biblehub.com)
8. What is the meaning of the latter and former rains? (neverthirsty.org)
9. www.limerickcitychurch.com/uploads/7/0/2/9/7029144/demon_of_discouragement_2017.mp3