But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him – 2 Corinthians 11:3-4
Why is the gospel rarely preached today in its simplicity – Jesus who is God in the flesh paid for all sin on the cross, was buried and bodily rose from the dead on the third day. All that we can do is be convicted that our human goodness cannot save us in the eyes of God, and to receive, by faith, Christ as our Saviour to be saved eternally. To believe is ALL that we can do, because we have a flesh nature that cannot inherit eternal life. God made salvation simple enough for a child to understand, and yet most Christian denominations have butchered the simple gospel with burdens that no man can bear, stealing the glory from off of Christ. Yet why is this amazing truth evil spoken of by most Christian denominations? Why do they not believe the report that God gave of His Son?
In 2 Corinthians 11:3-4, Paul mentions the preaching of another Jesus, who he and the disciples did not preach, and also of receiving another spirit, which the brethren had not received, and another gospel, which the brethren had not accepted. What are these?
Another Jesus
The only Jesus who can save a sinner from hell is the Jesus of the Holy Bible, Jesus of Nazareth, who is the Christ, the anointed one or Messiah. It is this Jesus who is the only one who could atone and did atone for our sin, and who can save us from an eternal separation from God in a literal hell. No other Jesus of the world saves. The salvation message that we are sinners in need of a Saviour to pay for our sin convicts, because Jesus is inclusive. He is the Word (John 1:1), who was in the beginning with God (John 1:2), and all things were made by him (John 1:3), and the Word of God became flesh (John 1:14). No other person but Jesus the Christ can give us the righteousness we need, and yet Jesus made it so easy that all we need to do is to believe on His atoning work in his death, burial and resurrection. He will wash away our sins and give us His righteousness upon simple faith. Scripture is clear that salvation is all of God, and entirely not of ourselves and not of works.
Paul preached Christ crucified.
For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God – 1 Corinthians 1:22-24
He taught that salvation was a gift of God, which we receive upon faith in Jesus Christ and his atoning work as full payment for our sin, because the wages of sin is death.
that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 not of works, lest any man should boast – Ephesians 2:7-9
Good works piled onto sin cannot take away that debt. Only a sinless sacrifice could be the final sin offering for us, and Jesus did exactly that.
Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him – 2 Corinthians 5:20-21
Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, 9 and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10 that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; – Philippians 3:8-10
It is such a precious gift that God gives us, and yet the message of another Jesus is commonly taught today.
There is another Jesus taught in the Christian denominations, like that of Catholicism’s mass and the Church of England’s Eucharist that put too much emphasis on a human needing to perform sacraments to receive the forgiveness of sin. If human works could save, righteousness would be by the law. The sole reason why we can’t save ourselves by works of our flesh is why Jesus came. I’ve attended a few Church of England services as a new believer in Christ, and the Eucharist is in its own booklet and each person repeats the boldened words, while the vicar speaks the rest. It’s very ritualistic, and not focused on the Word of God. This Jesus does not save.
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law – Galatians 3:21
There is the Jesus of new age religion; a mystical figure that teaches that Christ consciousness is within everyone. Basically, this is an agreeable concept by atheists and new agers that we all have God divinity in each of us and we need to reach this through self-effort. This Jesus is antichrist and does not save.
What about the Christian cults of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Christian Science, Christadelphians, Mormons etc. They deny the deity of Jesus. Their Jesus does not save.
Scripture tells us to test the spirits, whether they be of God.
Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. 2 Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: 3 and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world – 1 John 4:1-3
Jesus told warned us that we would know false prophets by their fruit.
15 Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. 16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles? 17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. 20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them – Matthew 7:15-20
Don’t be a fruit inspector like those of Lordship Salvation and Calvinism, because any lost person can do good works and appear righteous and saved to the human eye, but it is the fruit of what they speak about salvation that matters.
For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh – Luke 6:44-46
We are not saved by our works of righteousness, but by Jesus Christ’s atonement.
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; – Titus 3:5
What are they teaching about Jesus Christ – are they teaching that he is the way, the truth, and the life? Are they teaching faith in Christ apart from human works? Are they teaching that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh, who made the atoning payment for our sin? Scripture tells us to walk in the Spirit, to feed the new man, and yet so many Christian denominations are teaching that if believers are not living a certain way then they are not saved, or can lose salvation. These people are looking at their own righteousness and have not submitted to the righteousness of God. Jesus said quite clearly that s/he who believes on Him has everlasting life.
Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life – John 6:47
Another Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Godhead. The job of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Holy Spirit glorifies Christ. Another name for Him is the Comforter.
Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they believe not on me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; 11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.12 I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 13 Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. 14 He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you – John 16:7-14
As sin as separated us from a Holy God, the work of the Holy Spirit is to convict us of our need for a Saviour in Jesus. No one can come to God the Father but by the Son of God, Jesus. Jesus is the inclusive narrow way.
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me – John 14:6
Jesus became the sin offering for all of mankind and he made that payment once on the cross.
but this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God; – Hebrews 10:12
He died bodily, was buried, and victoriously rose on the third day proving that salvation is open to everyone, through his death, burial and resurrection. He died the death that we all deserve, and yet in His great love for us, he bore our punishment on the cross.
For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him – 2 Corinthians 5:21
Another spirit is any other spirit that leads us away from the atoning work of Christ. The modern charismatic and Pentecostal movements rely on tongues as a evidence of the Holy Spirit, but you will notice that the gift of tongues was visible in the disciples in the early Church. Tongues, or the gift of languages, is the ability to speak to various nations in their home tongue, which is understandable to them. Let’s look at the scripture in Acts.
And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilæans? 8 And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? 9 Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judæa, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, 10 Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. 12 And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this? 13 Others mocking said, These men are full of new wine – Acts 2:4-13
Any minister who uses the gift of tongues today must be able to interpret what they are saying, or there is simply no use for it. Scripture says that one of the gifts of the Spirit is various kinds of tongues, and another is the interpretation of tongues.
to another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: – 1 Corinthians 12:10
Therefore, anyone who is saying that you must have the gift of tongues as a sign that you are born again with the Holy Spirit has a spirit of pride and error. Here is a fantastic video by Tom Cucuzza explaining the gift of tongues.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYQriXdKGEA]
Another popular spirit that has become the ‘norm’ amongst Christian denominations and the Church of England are female pastors and leaders. Paul clearly told us in scripture.
Let your women keep silence in the churches: for it is not permitted unto them to speak; but they are commanded to be under obedience, as also saith the law. 35 And if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands at home: for it is a shame for women to speak in the church – 1 Corinthians 14:34-35
Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection. 12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression. 15 Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety – 1 Timothy 2:11-15
However, through the feminist movement, which is another spirit not of God, the Word of God is ignored and in its place comes a spirit of compromise. It is a dangerous place to be, and I dare say that the Church of England and other Christian denominations who are making their own rules up about female pastor and leaders are not being led by the true Spirit of God, but another spirit. Why would God bless apostasy and rebellion toward Him? He does not.
I would like to add that some of these female leaders (as are male pastors within the Church of England) are also homosexual, so this is clearly born of another spirit and not the Holy Spirit of God that leadeth a person into all truth. God says that homosexuality is a sin, so why would he bless men and women in the church teaching that God accepts this. It is sinful and rebellious.
Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination – Leviticus 18:22
For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: 27 and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; – Romans 1:26-28
This is another video by Tom Cucucca speaking boldly against female leaders.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuRNUkPc4_c]
Another spirit of falsehood is the signs, wonders, and feelings movement. A lot of charismatic and Pentecostal churches rely heavily upon signs and wonders as evidence of the Holy Spirit. Emotions and feelings should not be relied upon as truth, because emotions and feelings can waver from minute to minute and hour to hour. Instead, we must rely on what the Word of God says.
Salvation is not a feeling or an emotion. Scripture clearly tells us that we are saved when we put our trust in the atoning work of Jesus Christ and we must accept that fact by faith. Faith is what pleases God.
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen – Hebrews 11:1
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him – Hebrews 11:6
The Holy Spirit seals us forever, and this is the only reason why we can enter heaven when we die, because this is a new nature that cannot sin.
in whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, – Ephesians 1:13
And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption – Ephesians 4:30
He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit – 1 Thessalonians 4:8
Then there is another spirit in the Christian cults like those of Jehovah’s Witnessess, Mormons, Christadelphians, and Christian Science, who teach that the Holy Spirit is a force, and not God, the third person of the Godhead. Scripture clearly says that the Holy Spirit is a person, and a man.
(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) – John 7:39
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you – John 14:26
Finally, some Christian denominations teach that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ, but that we do not need to live for God after salvation. God saved us unto good works (Ephesians 2:10).
For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them – Ephesians 2:10
This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men – Titus 3:8
Even though good works do not save us prior to trusting on Christ, nor can good works keep us saved, we have a new nature inside of us, the Holy Spirit that will be grieved if we are not doing that which pleases God.
Whether we do good works or not, salvation can never be lost, but living for ourselves instead of Christ, will result in loss of fellowship with God, a defeated life void of the blessings of God, unanswered prayer, and even the chastening of God, which may even result in a sin unto death and the loss of life.
5 This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with him, and walk in darkness, we lie, and do not the truth: 7 but if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us – 1 John 1:5-10
The carnal Christian does exist. I’m sure carnality exists in every Christian, if we are truly honest with ourselves. I know for certain that I do not love the Lord with all of my heart, mind, soul, and strength all day every day. I know that I sin when I know to do that which is right, but do not do so, like witnessing to strangers, and even family.
Another Gospel
Paul gave the clear gospel of Christ in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4. This is the gospel that saves us, and we are told to believe it to receive the gift of salvation.
Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: – 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
Neither Jesus, nor the disciples, nor Paul gave instructions that people needed to repent of sin, or turn from sin to receive the free gift of salvation. We have an inherited sinful nature that cannot inherit the Kingdom of God.
Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption – 1 Corinthians 15:50
We cannot fix this sinful flesh, and yet most Christian Churches today are adding this simple instruction to turn from sin or repent of sins prior to trusting on the death, burial, and resurrection in order to be saved. They are subtly adding to the gospel of Christ, turning the gospel that saves into another gospel, and an accursed gospel, as Paul clearly said that if anyone comes preaching another gospel which Paul and the disciples had not taught, that gospel message is an accursed one.
I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: 7 which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed – Galatians 1:6-9
The religious Pharisees were trying to get the brethren at Galatia to come back under the Law of Moses, as they didn’t believe the report of Paul, nor Jesus who told them that they could not fulfil the law by their own righteousness. They were trusting in their righteousness during the time of Jesus’ ministry, and they still trusted in their own righteousness during the time of Paul the Apostle.
For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God – Romans 10:3
Paul was the last person to see the risen Christ and received the gospel by the revelation of Jesus Christ.
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. 12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ – Galatians 1:11-12
Jesus came to fulfil the law, because we could not. The law was a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, to show us that we need a saviour.
Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus – Galatians 3:24-26
Scripture is clear. The righteousness of God is without the law.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; – Romans 3:21-23
not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; – Titus 3:5
All that we can do as sinful human beings is to have faith in the report that God gave of His Son.
He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. 11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son – 1 John 5:10-11
As difficult as it is for humans to hear, salvation is nothing of what we do. However, this clear message is rarely taught in Christian denominations today. Instead, these denominations add a system of faith in Christ plus works, and it is this addition of works that appeals to the human flesh, because we somehow participate in our salvation. This is not biblical salvation. Scripture is clear that if the law could save us then Jesus died in vain.
I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain – Galatians 2:21
Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law – Galatians 3:21
Jesus did not die in vain. He died for something, and He died to pay the penalty for my sin, for your sin, for the sin of everyone who has ever lived and will ever live, because the wages of sin is death, and since Jesus proved that he has overcome death, there is life after death, and it’s either in heaven or hell. Since Jesus is the only one who can give us eternal life, rejection of Christ is what leads to eternal damnation. God gives everyone the right to choose. Salvation is a gift of God that we receive by placing our faith in Christ’s finished work – his death, burial and resurrection.
This simplicity that is in Christ is what much of Christianity dismisses as easy believisim or cheap grace. They have no understanding of the holiness of God and how he abhors sin. Only Jesus could make that death payment for us, because He is God in the flesh and without sin. Just like the Pharisees, they are trying to establish their own righteousness and have not submitted to the righteousness of God.
Any other gospel that adds to the finished work of Christ through a front loading gospel message like repent or turn from sin, or that you must commit your life to Christ to be saved, is another gospel. Then there is the back loaded gospel where the teachers say that if you are not living a certain way then you are not saved, or that if you don’t stop sinning then you can lose your salvation. These are fruit inspectors who fail to see that they have not stopped all of their sinful behaviours, and they condemn others and put them back under the law of bondage. The truth is that as believers, we have two natures. We have a nature that continues to sin, and we have a new nature, the Holy Spirit, that seals us with the very righteousness of God. Their message is very subtle, but if you look very clearly, they glorify themselves in the works that they do for God. They do not glorify Christ and His wondrous work in saving sinful man. Paul tells us in the latter section of 2 Corinthians 11 that these are the very ministers of righteousness whose end will be according to their works.
As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Wherefore? because I love you not? God knoweth. 12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works – 2 Corinthians 11:10-15
These are the people whom Christ addresses in Matthew 7:21, who say Lord Lord.
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. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity – Matthew 7:21-23
They were boasting before Christ, and Ephesians 2:8-9 clearly outlines that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ. Salvation is not of ourselves, but a gift of God, not of works, so that no man can boast.
For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 not of works, lest any man should boast – Ephesians 2:8-9
This is why as a believer, I can boast of Christ all day long. I can give him the glory for saving me, and I know that I have eternal life because He told me so. Although I fail daily in my flesh nature, I know that it is not my behaviour or how I live that saves me. I am safe in His hand, and the Father’s hand because He loved me first and died for me. I am sealed forever and salvation can never be lost, contrary to what many Christians teach.
and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29 My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand – John 10:28-29
Stay away from those who teach contrary to grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, apart from works. Works play absolutely no part in our salvation before or after. Salvation is entirely a gift of God that we must receive by faith in Christ. Excellent pastors and teachers, who will help you to grow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, are Tom Cucuzza of Northland Bible Baptist Church, Ralph Yankee Arnold of Bibleline Ministries, and Tom Adams of the Good News Bible Church. I’m sure there are many other sound pastors and teachers, plus grace teaching websites, so please comment below to alert and feed the brethren.
Thank you for stopping by. If this article has been helpful to you, please share this blog post with others. God bless.
