Excerpts from The Beginning of Deliverance with minor changes.
“I am providing a list of important truths that I learned before and after giving my life to Christ! It is important for me to explain that I oppose false teachings in any religion or any denomination. Most of my family and friends are Catholic, and I love them dearly, so please know that I love all people! I do disagree with the doctrine being taught by the Vatican, the occult, and the protestant churches that contradict biblical teachings. Therefore, some of what I learned may offend some, but the false doctrine was preventing me and others from finding the saving truth; Jesus Christ!”
Jesus Christ is the Only Way to the Father.
We are not saved by works of the law or by man-made sacraments. I learned that we must repent of self-rule and sins. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to repent and do good works. We cannot do that on our own. We cannot “be good enough” and earn our salvation. The Bible says we all fall short of His holiness, which is why we need Jesus Christ to be the propitiation for our sins.
“Jesus said to him, I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6 ESV
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him. He was not the light, but came to bear witness about the light. The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John bore witness about him, and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks before me, because he was before me.'”) For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known.” John 1:1-18 ESV
“For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20 ESV
“What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.” Romans 3:9-10 ESV
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith [trust] in Jesus. Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.” Romans 3:23-31 ESV
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:4-9 ESV
“For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20 ESV
Salvation is Not Just Believing in His Existence.
Before, I only had blind faith in Jesus Christ’s existence and not a saving trust that included turning from self-rule to wanting to follow Christ.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 ESV
According to the e-sword King James Version with Strong’s Numbers, the word “believeth” in this verse is translated from the Greek word “pisteuo,” which means “to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), that is, credit; by implication to entrust (especially one’s spiritual well being to Christ): – believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with.”
Therefore, faith is trusting Jesus Christ, and we cannot trust Him if we do not know His teachings. Even the demons believe in His existence. Some demons will pretend to be Jesus Christ or the Holy Spirit, so we must know the Word of God to test what thought or doctrine is coming from God.
“You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe – and shudder!” James 2:19 ESV
“Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:24-26 KJV
According to www.bibleinfo.com:
“But it also speaks of Jesus as “the Christ,” meaning “the anointed one,” the Messiah. When Jesus asked His disciples who they thought He was, Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God” (Matthew 16:16). At Jesus’ interrogation by the Jews just before His crucifixion, the high priest demanded, “Tell us if You are the Christ, the Son of God!” (Matthew 26:63).
Luke records that one occasion when Jesus cast demons out of individuals, the demons cried out, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of God!’ and He [Jesus] rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was the Christ. (Luke 4:41).”[30]
Jesus Christ Had Authority to Lay Down His Life and Take it Up.
“So Jesus again said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All who came before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not listen to them. I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. He flees because he is a hired hand and cares nothing for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.” John 10:7-18 ESV
Jesus Christ is the High Priest and Mediator Who Makes Intercession for Sinners.
“This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he [Jesus] is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.” Hebrews 7:22-28 ESV
“Therefore he [Jesus] is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.” Hebrews 9:15 ESV
“For through him [Jesus Christ] we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord:” Ephesians 2:18-21 ESV
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” 1 Timothy 2:5-6 KJV
“But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second. For finding fault with them, he saith, Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah: Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt; because they continued not in my covenant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people: And they shall not teach every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to the greatest. For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more. In that he saith, A new covenant, he hath made the first old. Now that which decayeth and waxeth old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:6-13 KJV
“Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. 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. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3:19-29 KJV
“And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. For where a testament is, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator.” Hebrews 9:15-16 KJV
The Veil in The Temple Tore – Earthly Priests No Longer Atone for People’s Sins.
“And Jesus cried again with a loud voice, and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was rent in two from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake; and the rocks were rent;” Matthew 27:50-51 ASV
“For he is our peace, who made both one, and brake down the middle wall of partition, having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; that he might create in himself of the two one new man, so making peace; and might reconcile them both in one body unto God through the cross, having slain the enmity thereby: and he came and preached peace to you that were far off, and peace to them that were nigh; for through him we both have our access in one Spirit unto the Father. So then ye are no more strangers and sojourners, but ye are fellow-citizens with the saints, and of the household of God, being built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the chief corner stone; in whom each several building, fitly framed together, groweth into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom ye also are builded together for a habitation of God in the Spirit.” Ephesians 2:14-22 ASV
The Will of God. Jesus taught us that we are part of His family if we do the will of His Father.
“And one said until him, ‘Behold thy mother and thy brethren stand without, seeking to speak to thee.’ But he answered and said unto him that told him, ‘Who is my mother? And who are my brethren?’ And he stretched forth his hand towards his disciples, and said, ‘Behold, my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father who is in heaven, he is my brother, and sister, and mother.’” Matthew 12:47-50 ASV
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:3 KJV
Obeying Jesus Christ is Wise.
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” Matthew 7:24-25 ESV
Jesus Christ Wants a Relationship With Us.
He wants to have a relationship with us, and our prayer life keeps us in communication with Him. Again, He tells us how to pray. Jesus said:
“I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you. Henceforth I call you not servants; for the servant knoweth not what his lord doeth: but I have called you friends; for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you. Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”” John 15:1-16 KJV
“And in that day ye shall ask me nothing. Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my name, he will give it you. Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. These things have I spoken unto you in proverbs: but the time cometh, when I shall no more speak unto you in proverbs, but I shall shew you plainly of the Father. At that day ye shall ask in my name: and I say not unto you, that I will pray the Father for you: For the Father himself loveth you, because ye have loved me, and have believed that I came out from God. I came forth from the Father, and am come into the world: again, I leave the world, and go to the Father.” John 16:23-28 KJV
“And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, that will I do.” John 14:13-14 ASV
“Jesus Christ said, “Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.”” Matthew 18:19-20 KJV
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” James 1:5-6 KJV
Priests Are Those Who Have Received the Holy Spirit.
Apostle Peter said:
“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” 1 Peter 2 9-10 ESV
The Bible (Word of God) is the Sole Authority and Source of Truth.
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 ESV
“Now the parable is this: The seed [spiritual food] is the word of God. The ones along the path are those who have heard; then the devil comes and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. And the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear the word, receive it with joy. But these have no root; they believe for a while, and in time of testing fall away. And as for what fell among the thorns, they are those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by the cares and riches and pleasures of life, and their fruit does not mature. As for that in the good soil, they are those who, hearing the word, hold it fast in an honest and good heart, and bear fruit with patience.” Luke 8:11-15 ESV
“But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4 KJV
“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” John 17:17 KJV
Tradition. I found that unbiblical traditions and philosophies of men, which contradict or oppose God, were rebuked by Jesus Christ.
“Then Pharisees and scribes came to Jesus from Jerusalem and said, “Why do your disciples break the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat.” He [Jesus] answered them, “And why do you break the commandment of God for the sake of your tradition? For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If anyone tells his father or his mother, “What you would have gained from me is given to God, “he need not honor his father.’ So for the sake of your tradition you have made void the word of God. You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: “‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'” Matthew 15:1-9 ESV
Old Covenant vs. New Covenant.
“But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second. For he finds fault with them when he says: Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will establish a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah [Jesus Christ came through the Tribe of Judah – so those who trust and follow Him are adopted into the Tribe of Judah], not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt. For they did not continue in my covenant, and so I showed no concern for them, declares the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more. In speaking of a new covenant, he makes the first one obsolete. And what is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to vanish away.” Hebrews 8:6-13 ESV
“[Y]et we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, so we also have believed in Christ Jesus, in order to be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.” Galatians 2:16 ESV
“I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” Galatians 2:20-21 ESV
We Must Repent.
Repentance precedes salvation or vice versa, but I was not delivered from the slavery of sin and illnesses until I repented from self-lordship. We cannot follow Christ without the Holy Spirit helping us turn (repent) from following ourselves first, so we should pray for our salvation. Also, the Holy Spirit can open our spiritual eyes and ears before He indwells a believer, so He helps us see where we were once blind. He also empowers us to follow Christ.
“And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. Matthew 4:19 KJV [Emphasis added]
“Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?”” Matthew 16:24-26 ESV
“If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” John 12:26 KJV
“Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And whoever does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” Matthew 10:37-39 ESV
Jesus says:
“And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” Mark 1:15 KJV
Apostle Peter said:
“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 KJV
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38 KJV
“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord; And he shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:” Acts 3:19 KJV
Praying to the Father in Jesus Christ’s Name and Confessing Sin.
The “Our Father” prayer says so much. We can see that Christ asked us to pray to the Father. We also see that we ask the Father to “forgive us our debts,” so we know that we are to confess our sins directly to God. If we at some point “confess [our] faults one to another, and pray one for another, that [we] may be healed,” (James 5:16 KJV) then that is biblical for healing, but we still confess our sins directly to God. We also see that we are to pray that His “will be done in earth,” and that He wants to deliver us from walking into temptation and evil.
“After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Matthew 6:9-15 ASV
Jesus Christ said, “And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. If ye love me, keep my commandments. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;” John 14:13-16 KJV
Jesus Christ said, “But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly. But when ye pray, use not vain repetitions, as the heathen do: for they think that they shall be heard for their much speaking. Be not ye therefore like unto them: for your Father knoweth what things ye have need of, before ye ask him.” Matthew 6:6-8 KJV
“And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?” Luke 11:9 KJV
“Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” James 5:14-16 ESV
“For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.” 1 Peter 3:12 KJV
The Holy Spirit/Spiritual Baptism/Being Born Again.
I received the Holy Spirit after I had repented and agreed to follow Christ. I found a church approximately a month later. I participated in water baptism about four months after. The water baptism was the ceremony representing my decision to repent and follow Jesus Christ. Scripture says:
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV
Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Nicodemus said to him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.” John 3:3-8 ESV
“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13 ESV
“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 KJV
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. And with many other words did he testify and exhort, saying, Save yourselves from this untoward generation. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.” Acts 2:38-41 KJV
The Apostle Peter said:
“And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost.” Acts 11:15-16 KJV
The Apostle Peter said:
“And after there had been much debate, Peter stood up and said to them, “Brothers, you know that in the early days God made a choice among you, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, by giving them the Holy Spirit just as he did to us, and he made no distinction between us and them, having cleansed their hearts by faith. Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? But we believe that we will be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus, just as they will.” Acts 15:7-11 ASV
John the Baptist said:
“John answered them all, saying, “I baptize you with water, but he who is mightier than I [Jesus Christ] is coming, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” Luke 3:16 ESV
Jesus Christ said to His disciples:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19 ESV
The Holy Spirit and the Christian’s Body.
Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is God. He is a Person (not a force).
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.” 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 KJV
“What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:19 KJV
“Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” 1 Corinthians 6:15-19 KJV
Fruits of the Holy Spirit (Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering, Gentleness, Faith, Meekness).
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” Galatians 5:16-26 KJV
Sanctification.
We are sanctified by the Holy Spirit through truth and the Word of God. The definition of sanctification is as follows: Sanctification. The biblical meaning of sanctification is “1: to set apart to a sacred purpose or to religious use :consecrate 2: to free from sin: purify 3a: to impart or impute sacredness, inviolability, or respect to b: to give moral or social sanction to 4: to make productive of holiness or piety observe the day of the sabbath, to sanctify it — Deuteronomy 5:12 (Douay Version)”[31]
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” John 17:17 ESV
“But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13 ESV
“I am speaking in human terms, because of your natural limitations. For just as you once presented your members as slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.” Romans 6:19 ESV
Witchcraft, the Occult, Familiar Spirits.
“Regard not them that have familiar spirits, neither seek after wizards, to be defiled by them: I am the LORD your God.” Leviticus 19:31 KJV
“And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits and unto the wizards, that chirp and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? on behalf of the living should they seek unto the dead?” Isaiah 8:19-20 ASV
Items Do Not Protect or Save.
Items (rocks, sticks, statutes, crosses, crucifixes, holy water, rosaries, and other items) do not protect us from the demonic or save us from spiritual death. Jesus Christ is the only One who can save and protect us. Reading or hearing the Word of God is what will lead people to a saving trust in Jesus Christ.
“Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations: they have no knowledge that set up the wood of their graven image, and pray unto a god that cannot save. Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the Lord? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.” Isaiah 45:20-21 KJV
Christ-followers Are No Longer Slaves to Sin.
We are slaves to sin until Jesus Christ breaks the yoke. It is hard for Christ-followers to stay in sin because we are convicted by the Holy Spirit, and we now love God.
Jesus answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. John 8:34-36 ESV
“No one who abides in him keeps on sinning; no one who keeps on sinning has either seen him or known him. Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous. Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” 1 John 3:6-8 ESV
False Doctrine.
Jesus Christ and His first disciples taught the church (Spiritual Body of Christ) not to listen to false doctrine and warned us of false teachers.
“But the Spirit saith expressly, that in later times some shall fall away from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, through the hypocrisy of men that speak lies, branded in their own conscience as with a hot iron; forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God created to be received with thanksgiving by them that believe and know the truth. For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be rejected, if it be received with thanksgiving: for it is sanctified through the word of God and prayer. If thou put the brethren in mind of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which thou hast followed until now: but refuse profane and old wives’ fables.” 1 Timothy 4:1-7 ASV
“For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 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. 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. And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say? Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock. But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.” Luke 6:43-49 KJV
“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.” 1 Corinthians 3:18-23 KJV
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 ESV
“Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?” Matthew 7:15-16 KJV
Calling Others “Father.”
“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others. For they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long, and they love the place of honor at feasts and the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the marketplaces and being called rabbi by others. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted. “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you neither enter yourselves nor allow those who would enter to go in. Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel across sea and land to make a single proselyte, and when he becomes a proselyte, you make him twice as much a child of hell as yourselves.” Matthew 23:1-15 ESV
Hell.
The gates of hell will not prevail against the spiritual Church, the Body of Christ. All those who have received the Holy Spirit are “the Church.” Also, Jesus mentions an “everlasting punishment,” not a sanctifying purgatory. We are sanctified through the Holy Spirit, the Word of God, and through doing the will of the Lord. This is biblical, as referenced before. Jesus said:
“And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Matthew 10:28 (KJV)
“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18 (KJV)
“Ye serpents, ye generation of vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of hell?” Matthew 23:33 (KJV)
“Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me. And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.”” Matthew 25:44-46 (KJV)
Jesus also mentioned a “fire that never shall be quenched.”
“And if thy foot offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter halt into life, than having two feet to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:” Mark 9:45 KJV
Jesus told this story about Hell:
“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.” Luke 16:19-31 KJV
The Devil. Father of Lies.
The devil was cast down from Heaven. He is a deceiver and a liar. He will be tormented forever one day.
“And the great dragon was cast down, the old serpent, he that is called the Devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world; he was cast down to the earth, and his angels were cast down with him.” Revelation 12:9 ASV
“You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” John 8:44 ESV
“[A]nd the devil who had deceived them was thrown in the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and forever.” Revelation 20:10 ESV
Satan’s Followers Can Perform Signs.
We can learn from my story that people can hear deceiving voices and thoughts. We can also be deceived by signs and wonders. Dr. Carlin said, “A lie is as powerful as the truth if one believes it.” We know that the Bible says that some who follow the devil will do signs and wonders. Therefore, we cannot believe that every sign or wonder is from God.
“For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 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 11:13-15 KJV
“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.” 2 Thessalonians 2:9 (KJV)
“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should make an image to the beast, which had the wound by a sword, and did live. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed. And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast: for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.” Revelation 13:11-18 (KJV)
“And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.” Revelation 14:9-11 (KJV)
Mary.
Mary was obedient to God and is precious in His eyes. Some people worship Mary and believe that she is the mother, as in “over God” to Jesus Christ in Heaven. However, there is not scripture to support that Mary is part of the Holy Trinity or that she is God or practicing motherhood of Jesus Christ in Heaven. There is plenty of scripture to support God’s command to worship only Him.
Also, Mary referenced God as her Savior. Some have said that she could not have been a sinner because she carried Jesus Christ in her womb. If she wasn’t a sinner, then she wouldn’t have referred to God as her Savior. Also, Christ-followers receive the Holy Spirit to live inside of their bodies, and the Holy Spirit is God, as well.
“And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.”” Luke 1:46-49 ESV
“Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?” 1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV
Moreover, some believe that they are praying to Mary, but there is not scripture to support that praying to anyone other than God in the spiritual realm is biblical. Also, there is scripture stating that praying to the physically dead is forbidden. Also, there is not scripture to support that Mary, or any other physically passed on Saint, can hear people’s prayers. I talk about this more under “Praying to Saints in Heaven.”
Lady Fatima.
Lady Fatima sounds nothing like the biblical Mary. Lady Fatima sought her own glory, which goes against all scripture in the Old Testament and the New Testament. According to Portugal.com, the entity who claims to be Lady Fatima said the following:
“While she did not reveal her full name right away, the lady did tell the children: “I am of Heaven.” When asked, she promised that all three of the children would go to heaven, though Francisco would have to say “many rosaries” in order to get there.”
“For the second apparition on June 13, dozens of onlookers testified that they were able to see a cloud above the tree where the children saw Mary. This time, she showed the children her Immaculate Heart, pierced with thorns representing the sins of mankind.”
“Lucia asked Mary for the healing of a sick person, which Mary said would be granted with his conversion. Lucia again asked Mary to take the children to heaven, and while Mary promised to take Jacinta and Francisco soon, she told Lucia that she must stay on earth “some time longer.”
“Jesus wishes to make use of you to make me known and loved,” Mary told her. “He wants to establish in the world devotion to my Immaculate Heart. I promise salvation to those who embrace it, and those souls will be loved by God like flowers placed by me to adorn His throne.””
She asked the children to help sinners by sacrificing themselves:
“Sacrifice yourself for sinners, and say many times, especially whenever you make some sacrifice: O my Jesus, it is for love of Thee, for the conversion of sinners, and in reparation for the sins committed against the Immaculate Heart of Mary.”
“Mary again repeated her request for daily rosaries, and asked that a chapel be built at the apparition site honoring the Lady of the Rosary, which she revealed to the children as her identity.”[32]
Lady Fatima wanted the children to tell Jesus Christ that their sacrifice was for the “conversion of sinners” which is unbiblical, as even the Old Testament priests could not sacrifice enough animals to convert someone. Further, Jesus Christ is the only One who was able to sacrifice Himself for sinners to atone for their sins because He is God, and He is sinless.
Lady Fatima made it appear as though Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross was not enough. Lady Fatima was also known to say, “Pray; pray very much. Make sacrifices for sinners. Many souls go to hell because no one is willing to help them with sacrifice” and “God is pleased with your sacrifices, but he does not want you to wear the cords [around your waists as a penance] to bed. Keep them on during the day.”[33]
She did not share the gospel “good news” of Jesus Christ, and she was not trying to make disciples of Christ, like Jesus Christ commanded when He said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:” Matthew 28:19 KJV.
Also, we can see from this verse that Jesus didn’t mention anyone being baptized in Mary’s name. Instead, Lady Fatima told the children that Jesus wanted her to be made “known and loved.” If that’s true, why is there nothing in the Bible to support that? Why didn’t Jesus Christ mention it? He is the boss. He is God. He would have told His disciples that, but He did not.
She also said that sins were committed against her, not Him, and she promised salvation, but Jesus Christ says, “Take heed lest any man deceive you; For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.” Mark 13:5-6 KJV.
The English word “Christ” comes from the Hebrew word “Messiah.” The Messiah is the One who saves from sin, so if anyone else says that they are the one who saves from sin (promises salvation), then that one is claiming to be the Messiah, the Christ.
Lady Fatima cannot offer salvation. Biblical Mary cannot offer salvation. Biblical Mary already acknowledged that God was her Savior. Salvation is a gift from God.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV
Further, biblical Mary never said that she could offer or promise salvation. The world was waiting on the Lord and Savior, who she carried in her womb, so that He could offer Himself as a punishment for the sins of those who place their trust in Him and follow Him. Jesus Christ said that He is the only way to the Father, and that He is the truth, the life, and the way. John 14:6. Jesus Christ is Lord over Mary, and Lady Fatima.
“Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.” Ephesians 1:20-23 KJV
The first apostles, including Peter, never said that Mary could offer salvation or reconcile us to the Father. Scripture in the Old Testament points to Jesus Christ’s coming, and scripture in the New Testament witnesses to His physical birth on Earth, His walk, His sinless life, His ministry, His miracles, His healings, His casting out of demons, His foretelling of His own Earthly death, His suffering and death, and His resurrection. The New Testament also testifies to the huge transformations that took place in disciples of Christ after they received the Holy Spirit. We still see transformations today in those who have given their life to follow Jesus Christ.
Also, the biblical Mary never asked anyone to sacrifice or punish themselves. Jesus Christ never asked us to punish ourselves. None of the first apostles asked anyone to punish themselves. Apostle Peter did not speak of any “penance” or punishment in his Letters in the New Testament.
The penance Lady Fatima required was adopted by the Roman Church; a penance, which usually involves reciting the prayer “Hail Mary” to “Lady Fatima.” This entity would know that God commands us to worship and pray only to God, as His commands are clear throughout the Old and New Testament.
Biblical Mary magnified the Lord and called Him her Lord and Savior. She never once sought to glorify herself. There is nothing in the Bible stating that God the Father or the Son or the Holy Spirit want Mary “to [be] known and loved…[and] establish in the world devotion to…[her] Immaculate Heart…[and have her] promise salvation to those who embrace it…”
Christ said:
“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”” John 8:12 ESV.
He also says:
“The thief comes to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:10-11 ESV
To believe Lady Fatima over Jesus Christ is not be logical because He is God, He is the truth, and He made Himself and His teachings clear to us in scripture. Lady Fatima insinuates that what Jesus Christ did on the cross was not enough and that there is a new way to be saved. There’s not. Lady Fatima didn’t suffer and die on the cross for our sins. Biblical Mary didn’t spend time punishing herself to save people.
Further, Jesus Christ never said that Mary was God. He never said that she could offer salvation or that she was the truth, the life, and the way.
Again, the biblical Mary would have sought to glorify God and point to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, just as recorded in scripture. Many of the voices deceived me into believing that they were someone else. Those deceiving entities, and others, will continue to deceive, which is why the Bible tells us to test every spirit, and we do this by using the Word of God.
“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 ESV
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:” 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”” Hebrews 4:12 KJV
Also, Jesus Christ sought to glorify the Father. Jesus always sought to glorify the Father. Even when Jesus acknowledged that He Himself was God, and one with the Father, He still glorified the Father. Again, Jesus Christ never said that Mary was God, or the way to the Father. Neither did the first apostles. Apostle Peter never said that Mary was the way to the Father, or someone we should pray to, or worship. Peter’s letters are accessible in the New Testament, and his teachings line up with Jesus Christ’s teachings.
Also, we are to worship only God. We are not supposed to bow down or kneel to any other man, woman, statute, rock, stick, or any other object.
“When Peter entered, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshiped him. But Peter lifted him up, saying, Stand up; I too am a man.” Acts 10:25-26 ESV
Further, praying the rosary is asking those who are seeking the truth to obey Lady Fatima even though her doctrine does not line up with scripture in the Old or New Testaments. Again, the biblical Mary would tell us to magnify the Lord, not her, and to do what Jesus Christ commands us to do. Obedience to false doctrine gives the enemy access to influence our lives.
Jesus said:
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: John 10:27 KJV [Emphasis Added]
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:28 KJV
“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 10:29 KJV
“I and my Father are one.” John 10:30 KJV
God said: “You shall have no other gods before me.” Exodus 20:3 ESV
Also, it was said that Lady Fatima had appeared with the Child Jesus, which is another red flag. Jesus Christ had already resurrected from the dead and was sitting at the right hand of the Father when those children saw her apparition. Christ would not appear as a child and allow Lady Fatima to teach doctrine that contradicts the things He said and downplays what He did on the cross.
The Bible says we all fall short (sin):
“the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe for there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” Romans 3:22-25 ESV
Other Relevant Scripture Regarding False Gods and Testing Spirits.
“Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the LORD thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.” Exodus 20:4-6 KJV
“Yet ye have forsaken me, and served other gods: wherefore I will deliver you no more. Go and cry unto the gods which ye have chosen; let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.” Judges 10:13-14 KJV
“And go not after other gods to serve them, and to worship them, and provoke me not to anger with the works of your hands; and I will do you no hurt.” Jeremiah 25:6 KJV
Saints.
On earth, Saints are those who have the Holy Spirit in them.
“To the church of God that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints together with all those who in every place call upon the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, both their Lord and ours:” 1 Corinthians 1:2 ESV
“Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and deacons:” Philippians 1:1 ESV
Praying to Saints in Heaven.
We are not supposed to pray to the dead. Not even the physically passed on Saints. There is nothing in scripture telling us that the Saints in Heaven can hear us and to pray to them. We are told how to pray, and it is always to God.
There are demonic entities who pretend to be saints and other people we know. There are other entities who pretend to be a friend or a wise dead entity, but those entities do not know God’s will for someone’s life. It’s for our own good that we don’t try to communicate with the dead or those who have passed on. We must know the Lord and read the Bible to know proper doctrine and to test the spirits. Otherwise, we can easily be led astray. The battle for the mind is real and strong. We are told to pray to God, not to people who have passed on to the spiritual realm.
“And when they say to you, “Inquire of the mediums and the necromancers who chirp and mutter,” should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of the dead on behalf of the living? To the teaching and to the testimony! If they will not speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn.” Isaiah 8:19-20 ESV
“Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from foods that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” 1 Timothy 4:1-5 ESV
Also, we are to be in a relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the way, and the only Mediator. How can we develop a relationship with Christ if we are asking passed on Saints to petition Him instead of us?
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matthew 7:21-23 KJV
But, once we know Jesus Christ, we are delivered, complete, and protected from the evil one! Jesus Christ said:
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 ESV
Footnotes
30 https://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/what-does-christ-mean
31 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sanctify
32 https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/everything-you-need-to-know-about-fatima-part-1-15388
33 http://www.ncregister.com/daily-news/marys-fatima-messages-to-the-shepherd-children
