Have you ever observed something wonderful, and said, “I’d love to be able to do that?”
I’m pretty sure you have. But, have you ever pondered over your motives?
Why would you like to be able to play like Mozart, or paint like Michelangelo, or practice martial arts like Bruce Lee? In most cases, our motives are largely pride.
I care not what you say to deny it, it’s the truth. You might tell me you’d like to be a master in a particular art, for the enjoyment of others and betterment of the world, but, it’s a lie. If that was really the case, instead of saying “I’d love to be able to do that”, you’d say, “Wouldn’t it be great if there was someone else who could do that?”
The reality is, you’d really love the recognition, and benefits associated with being a master. You’d love the credit.
It’s the same with religion.
The folly of religion…
The search for peace, the pursuit of moral living, and the desire to have a knowledge of God, has, almost since the beginning of time, seen men possessing a desire to be credited with the effort they have put in. Multitudes of people of all ages and nations, in every generation, have sought to obtain (through various means) a standing before God which will hopefully cause the scales of ‘good’ and ‘bad’ to lean in their favour, when the day comes, and they give account of the lives they have lived.
Nothing has changed.
The reason nothing has changed, is because the father of lies has not changed! He (Satan) still loves to convince people that they need to earn favour with God.
In fact, maybe you’re reading this right now, and you have the image of scales (one side titled ‘Good’, the other ‘Bad’) in your head. Every day that you live, you think what you do is adding to either one side or the other, and when you look back and evaluate how you live, you think the scales are probably slightly tipping in your favour.
I mean, you’re not a bad person. Nobody would ever describe you as ‘bad’, and surely God would either.
The sad reality is, that even the book which is designed to give us Basic Instructions Before Leaving Earth, has been so twisted with different versions, that many copies which people read today, actually encourage people to think that it is their life which will determine whether they’re in Heaven or Hell.
Is it too harsh to say, that maybe the devil has managed to get his grubby hands on the scriptures, by influencing men who think they’re doing service to the Church?
The Bible Test
If you have a Bible that you read, I would like you to turn to Revelation 19:8.
Hopefully, you will read something like,
“And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”
If you happen to come across the word “acts” in that verse, it’s time to consider changing to another Bible.
Now before you get all hot and bothered, I’m not a KJV-onlyite. Although it is my Bible of choice, I do not think that the translators of the AV were inspired, or anything crazy like that. I don’t even believe that it’s impossible to do better than the AV. However, you may find, as I have, that it’s one of the few translations which doesn’t include the word “acts” in Revelation 19:8.
Why is this important?
If you believe that Paul was right when he said, “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us…”, then you cannot believe that the garment of fine linen that adorns the Bride of Christ, is her “acts”.
It’s ludicrous!
Matthew Henry states of Rev 19:8,
“You have here a description of the bride, how she appeared; not in the gay and gaudy dress of the mother of harlots, but in fine linen, clean and white, which is the righteousness of saints; in the robes of Christ’s righteousness, both imputed for justification and imparted for sanctification—the stola, the white robe of absolution, adoption, and enfranchisement, and the white robe of purity and universal holiness. She had washed her robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb; and these her nuptial ornaments she did not purchase by any price of her own, but received them as the gift and grant of her blessed Lord.”
What we’re talking about here, isn’t a matter of preference of translation, where one might argue for “you” instead of “thou”, this is a matter of truth and heresy!
Consider…
Do you believe the scriptures are infallible? Most bible versions are clearly not infalible, when then translate this text as being the righteous “acts” of the saints. They add further strength to the lie, this universal lie that leads one to believe we earn favour with God. They tell the unwary reader of Rev 19:8, that it is up to them to live in a way which will encourage God to welcome them into Heaven, when the truth is, “if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain” Gal 2:21.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and therefore it is profitable for doctrine, reproof, correction, and for instruction in righteousness. Such an error in Rev 19:8 will lead a soul to Hell.
I therefore counsel you, as a friend and follower of Christ, put your Bible version to the test, and consider what you honestly believe God would have you to do.
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Added Commentary
By david
on 28.07.08
Glad to see you’re back at it.
I have a question though: If works don’t matter, how is it that “such an error in Rev 19:8 will lead a soul to Hell”?
Further: if works don’t matter, will I be saved if I’m an abortionist and a believer? What does it matter if I kill a man, or many men, when my works don’t matter? If I steal or lie or cheat? If I feel no remorse for my sins?
I’m probably missing something crucial, but I’m truly confused by these questions.
By Armen
on 28.07.08
David,
Thanks for the welcome!
The answer to your question lies in the ‘role’ one sees their works playing. Please bare with me.
The whole reason Christ lived and died, was to perform a work which no other individual could do - provide a way for God to have mercy upon sinners, while still being just.
Being a just God, He demands perfection before one can be accepted. This is impossible for us since the ‘Fall’ (the sin in the garden of Eden, Romans 5:12), so Jesus came to live a perfect life for man.
However, a perfect life still doesn’t deal with the sins which have been (and shall be) commited, so Jesus paid for the sins, through his suffering and death (Hebrews 10:12).
This work is complete. You can’t add to it, or take away from it. Either Jesus provided all that was necessary to satisfy God, or he provided nothing (the former being the teaching of scripture, which is why He said on the cross, “It is finished!”).
So how does one become the beneficiary of the perfect work done by Jesus? By faith, and only by faith. The sinner has to resign himself to realisation that he can do nothing, and only what Jesus has done, is acceptable to God in order to merit Heaven (Ephesians 2:8,9)
To believe that even one thing you do, will be help towards your acceptance before God in order to merit Heaven, is heresy. That is why a rendering of Rev 19:8 which places the emphasis on what the sinner has done, is sufficient to lead a soul to eternal ruin. The sinner must see that it’s all of Christ.
So then, this being the case, why can’t one be a murderer while he’s a Christian? If Heaven depends on faith in what Jesus has done, and has nothing to do with what I have done, what does is matter if I live a sinful life?
Simple answer is, anyone who genuinely becomes a child of God, will adopt the mind of God. They will hate sin, because God hates sin. They will refuse to deliberately do what they know contradicts the character of Christ, because they love Him.
So to summarise, if the ‘role’ of your works is to make you acceptable to God, you’ll never find mercy. However, if the role of your works is to compliment your faith in, and love for the Lord Jesus Christ, then you’re a Christian on your way to Heaven.
I hope, even though it’s fairly long winded, that I’m laying this out in a coherent manner?
Excellent questions by the way.
By david
on 28.07.08
Thanks, Armen. That helps.
A killer who converted to Christianity is saved by his acceptance of Christ. His earlier works are irrelevant so long as he now believes.
That said, I’m still trouled by sin. I can understand that if one is trying their best to be a child of God, they’ll try their best to avoid sin. But I don’t believe that anyone, even the best Christian around, lives without sin. And is there really no sin, committed in a moment of weakness, that God cannot forgive? Is there truly no sinner who cannot be saved?
If you’re a Christian whose sins are white lies, I do think that God can and should love and accept you. But what if I’m a Christian whose sins are murders?
While I can see why He would still accept me, I have a strong visceral reaction that he shouldn’t. Should a serial killer, or worse, a mass-murder like Hitler be accepted into God’s kingdom?
It seems to me that if indeed Hilter can be saved, there’s no reason that lay Christians should act morally. No reason not to lie, cheat, steal, and kill.
I understand the argument that one who’s truly accepted Christ won’t want to do these things, but what if they do? Are we willing to say that these people don’t actually have faith — can’t actually be saved by it — because their actions betray a lack of faith? That’s the best way to escape this conundrum I’ve come to, but I also wonder — who can judge a man’s heart? And isn’t a judgment of their faithfulness by their actions the same as saying that one is not saved by faith alone?
I suppose all that rambling just comes to this: Could Hitler have made it to Heaven? Should Hitler be able to make it to Heaven?
While I think there’s a great deal to commend in someone who can say with confidence that both questions can be answered with a “Yes”, would it be heresy to answer either with a “No”?
By Armen
on 28.07.08
David,
“But I don’t believe that anyone, even the best Christian around, lives without sin.”
Agreed. While the genuine believer will quickly begin to hate sin, he will never be completely sinless. However, their degrees of sin will differ greatly. For the most part, those sins which are explicitly prohibted in the scriptures (the obvious ones), they will be avoided.
Nevertheless, even living a life without doing these things, God may begin to convict the child of God about other things.
E.g. Even though there’s nothing inherently wrong with TV, a Christian might start to feel uncomfortable having one, and sense that God wants them to get rid of it. The shunning of such convictions from God, are sinful. So while the owning of a TV might have been ok for years, as God continues to help the Christian to be more like Christ, they will find that there are other things that are now no longer acceptable.
This kind of thing will continue throughout the Christian life, showing that even the most obedient Christian, will find that there are still little imperfections in their life, which God, bit by bit, will reveal in order for them to be removed. We are never totally perfect.
If I remember, some day I might write about the difference between being ‘blameless’ and being ’sinless’. One can be achieved here on earth, the other can not.
“Is there truly no sinner who cannot be saved?”
Any sinner who sees their sins, no matter how vile they might be, and seeks God by faith repenting of their sins, will be saved. No exceptions.
As for Hitler, judging by what’s know of his life and death, it is highly improbable that we’ll see him in Heaven. However, no one can say for absolute sure.
When Christ was on the cross, there were two men either side of Him. They of course, were there because of their crimes, unlike Christ (who was there, not because of his own crimes, but because of the sins of people like me). To cut a long story short, one of them, as he hangs on the crucifix, realises who Christ is, sees the sins in his own life, and cries to Christ to have mercy upon him. There and then, Christ confirms the genuine turn of the mans heart, when He replied, “Today thou shalt be with me in paradise”.
There he was, paying (socially) for his sins of murder and theft, and in a moment of time, through repentance and faith, he was on his way to Heaven. A remarkable story, which reminds everyone who reads it, of the mercy and forgiveness of God.
Also, consider the apostle Paul. Prior to his conversion, he was guilty of the blood and suffering of countless Christians, as he spent his energy in trying to eradicate Christianity, and all Christians who would not recant. And yet, God accepts his repentance, and Paul then began to live a life which epitomises what it is to be a Christian.
“I understand the argument that one who’s truly accepted Christ won’t want to do these things, but what if they do?…”
Sometimes even Christians make mistakes. An example in the scriptures, is king David, who at one stage was guilty of murder, and adultery. It’s a tragic situation, but it can happen. However, the difference between a Christian when he does these things, and an unbeliever, is in their attitude. Generally, the unbeliever is sorry he got caught; at best, sorry for the offence he’s caused to other people affected. However, the Christian, first of all, hates the offence it’s caused to his God.
If you want to see the heart of Christian after he’s commited sin, read Psalm 51.
“Could Hitler have made it to Heaven?”
To clarify, he could have, with sincere repentance before death. Although, if it happened, a public announcement of such repentance, and apology of his crimes would have been likely.
“Should Hitler be able to make it to Heaven?”
If he didn’t repent before death, it’s too late. If you die without mercy, you will not experience it after death.
Did I miss anything?
By Mjoshua
on 29.07.08
I would only state that a preoccupation on the deadness of dead works can lead to the neglect of Christ’s teachings on how one is to live. I grew up in a protestant environment where such a teaching was so prevalent that faith was relegated to the heart, mind and soul, and never made it to the “strength” or “hands”. To the Hebrew (such as James), it is very important that one’s Faith leads to action.
If your salvation is only in your head, then I would wonder if you’re truly saved.
For me, I fell in love with Jesus when I saw the action that he took, demonstrated and equipped his disciples to live by. I took the leap of grace-faith salvation to get there. But it certainly was the next step in my discipleship to start using my hands and feet.
By Armen
on 29.07.08
Mjoshus,
Welcome!
It’s great to read of your understanding, that works must follow a profession of faith in Christ.
Works aren’t dead at all. They’re the fruit of life that has truly experienced the changing power of the Spirit of God. Like I said, “Anyone who genuinely becomes a child of God, will adopt the mind of God. They will hate sin, because God hates sin. They will refuse to deliberately do what they know contradicts the character of Christ, because they love Him.”
Admittedly, it’s very prevalent to see ‘professing Christians’ lack in the area of works, in all circles.
There are many hyper-calvinists who lack in the ‘work’ of evangelism; neglecting to reach out, and even pray for people to be saved.
On the other hand, I find many in charismatic circles, who are all about reaching out, but, there’s a distinct lack of recognition of the need to live a holy life.
Both these problems, and all others, are due to an ignorance of the Bible.
By kristarella
on 30.07.08
Seems to me that answering ‘yes’ to this question would be a pretty good summary of what James talks about about when he says that faith without works is dead. So, well done david.
We can’t know for sure whether someone is going to heaven or not, but the bible does say that if someone is sinning (I take it to mean without repentance), then we shouldn’t treat them as Christians (1 Cor 5).
This is the first post of yours that I disagree with Armen (I think). I guess that’s a good thing because I’m forced to think about the topic more.
Of course, I agree that we are saved by Christ alone. We were dead in our sins, and what can a dead person do to restore a broken relationship?
However, I’m not sure about Rev 19:8 perpetuating a false doctrine. I’m not convinved that it doesn’t say ‘acts’.
I use the ESV, which to my knowledge is one of the more literal translations. I’m willing to admit that it won’t always be perfect, but so far it’s been pretty good. It says “fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints”.
I have no problem believing that we dont contribute anything to our justification, yet we will be held to account for our actions and maybe even rewarded. It doesn’t mean that we do things to get rewards; we should obey God because he’s the creator, the judge, the only one who is righteous.
Ideas of rewards and accountability come up in 1 Cor 3 and Matt 25. If that word Dikaioma from the Greek means justification in Rev 19:8, then you are right about the meaning of the verse, but if it means righteous acts, then I would think the verse is in a similar vein to 1 Cor and Matt.
Or not taking the whole message (and all the commands) of the Bible in balance? Or because we’re sinful and even in trying to do the right thing we fail? Or because the Holy Spirit hasn’t provided understanding, wisdom or conviction to those particular people in those areas of living?
By kristarella
on 30.07.08
Doh, no styling on blockquotes… please try to figure out which ones are quotes and which are my responses.
By Andrew E. Courtis
on 31.07.08
Thank you for this article and your desire to stand firm on truth.
Firstly, the translation “for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints” (NASB) is an accurate translation of the Greek. Secondly, I understand the difference of interpretation, but we must be honest and say, that this translation does not contradict the doctrine of justification by faith alone. This verse in the NASB, ESV, etc. is not teaching that these saints are redeemed because of their deeds. Instead, their conduct is in harmony with their position. They are a Bride because of imputation, and their behavior conforms to this, what I see here in v. 8, is what Paul says in Eph. 2.10, that we were “created in Christ Jesus for good works.”
Keep in mind, that this verse (and passage) provides a contrast with the whore (17:4; 18:16). She was known by her external beauty, but on the inside she was unclean. The Bride on the other hand is internally clean, and therefore was able to do “righteous acts” by God’s grace.
For these reasons I reject the notion that “this is a matter of truth and heresy!”
By Armen
on 31.07.08
kristarella,
Thank you for commenting.
When James says, “faith without works is dead”, of course it’s right. Someone professing faith, but shows no fruit of the Spirit, their profession is without life or proof.
However, it has absolutely nothing to do with our justification, which, you confess to believe. Our works do not contribute 0.00001% of our righteous standing before God. We are accepted by God only because the righteousness of Christ has been imputed to our account.
Our deeds, and the rewards we receive because of what we’ve done for God, are completely different though. To say that the pure and clean white linen of Rev 19:8 refers to deeds we have done, cannot be true.
Are your deeds flawless and perfect? I know mine aren’t. Even my best acts for God, I fear, are tainted. Therefore, it cannot be that my acts create for me, a pure white robe of linen. This linen, is a result of Jehovah Tsidkenu (the LORD our righteousness).
Andrew,
Welcome! I trust your new venture with Nathan goes well, and is edifying to all who read it.
I confess that the translation of the NASB, ESV, etc, probably is in line with the greek text used to translate these Bibles. However, dare I say it, therein may be the problem. The NASB, ESV, and most versions of the last century, use the Critcal Text as a basis for translation. The AV (KJV) uses the Received Text; therefore, there is a different outcome.
I’m not wanting to get into a debate about the manuscripts though, as I don’t believe it’s necessary.
“They are a Bride because of imputation, and their behavior conforms to this”
No doubt our behaviour is changed. Nevertheless, the fine linen in 19:8, is clearly a gift, not something we’ve done, “unto her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen”.
Again, like I said to kristarella, do you believe your deeds done for God, are perfect and pure, as this fine linen represents? I can’t see it in myself, that’s for sure.
By kristarella
on 01.08.08
Yes, justification and faithful service are quite different, we should be careful to not focus too much on service and start to rely on our actions instead of Christ’s death. I’ve noticed myself falling into that trap before.
I’d like to clarify some of the things you’ve said…
I don’t really know much about the Greek texts and don’t want to debate them; are you saying that Jehovah Tsidkenu is what the Received Text says. Or are you jut emphasising that righteousness is in the nature of God?
Granted can mean “give”, but it can also mean “allow”, which is the way I took it since it followed “his Bride has made herself ready”. What do you make of that part of the chapter?
I certainly don’t think that my deeds are pure. However, despite every part of me being tainted by sin, the Spirit still works to sanctify me… possibly even to the point where our works are 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. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:8-10
We can’t boast in salvation, but we can’t really boast in works either since God has prepared them for us and made us to do them. In that way (and still going with the more common translation) I still don’t see the concept of acts as heresy.
I can see your point, I’m just not sure if the text is so clear cut (or it’s obviously not if almost all translations get it wrong).
By Armen
on 02.08.08
kristarella,
No, I wasn’t saying that the Received Text says “Jehovah Tsidkenu”, rather, I was just emphasising the truth that the Lord is our righteousness, not what we have done. By the way, this righteousness does not refer to the righteous nature of God, but, the righteousness of the life Christ lived; that’s just by the way.
The only way the Church (Bride) makes herself ready, is in her acceptance of the Lamb (Bridegroom). Isaiah 61:10 says,
“I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”
Rev 19:8 is a clear reiteration of this Old Testament truth, and I honestly believe, whenever this text emphasises that the fine linen is a result of our deeds/acts, that’s it’s not coherent with the full message of the Bible.
Again, I’m not saying this because I hate other versions of the scriptures. Far too many people criticise versions of the Bible, but they never even read the Bible. However, I do think the RT is more faithful than the critical text that most of the modern versions use today.
By Superdave
on 03.08.08
I appreciate reading this delightful eschange of thoughts and understanding. One of the most civil I have seen in some time. I am a Christian, saved by HIS grace. However, I still feel compelled to obey his words and commandments as they bring be closer to knowing his will and receiving more light and truth. I believe that when we see him, his eyes will fill with tears for those who truely repented daily and tried to become his true followers - not having been compelled to do so.
Also, despite what your pastors have taught you, you may want to read the Book of Mormon. I know several of you are probably freaking out at this suggestion, but having given many years of study to the subject. I have read the many materials and resources against it as well as the Mormon’s take as well. One site I have found particularly intereting is http://www.jefflindsay.com/BMEvidences.shtml#geography. Another interesting book is Voices from the Dust: New Insights into Ancient America a Comparative Evaluation of Early Spanish and Portuguese Chronicles, Archaeology and Art History. The author is a professor at Texas A&M, former Foreign Serice Officer from Central and South America and a collector of documents chronicling evidences not contained in th ehistory books but nonetheless valuable.
God bless you all, thank you for your kind and thoughtful dialogue.
By Andrew E. Courtis
on 27.08.08
Hi Armen. Thank you for your response, and sorry for the late delay in mine. Raising the issue of the AV coming from the RT and the NASB/ESV etc. coming from the Critical text is of no relevance on this particular issue (though it is true). The problem in this discussion is not with the Greek text! The Greek in this verse is of close similarity in both manuscript traditions. The only difference is a change of word order. So the issue here is not what Greek text is it based on, it is how does one correctly translate this verse. The NKJV, which is based on the RT translates this the same way as the NASB and ESV.
By Armen
on 03.09.08
Superdave,
Thank you for commenting. I’ve read bits and pieces of the Book of Mormon, but to be honest, I have no interest in it. I have spoken to Mormons on occassions, and there are too many inconsistancies.
The Book of Mormon is just a piece of literature, not the inspired word of God.
Andrew,
You’re right, the Greek in this case is quite unecessary. The question is more to do with doctrinal consistancy in translations, and personally, I think Isaiah 61:10 seems to rule out any other translation than that which is in the AV.
By David Hepting
on 20.07.09
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way be submissive to those who are older. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
Sounds like the church is to clothe herself with works flowing from God’ grace to me.
By Armen
on 20.07.09
Welcome David,
Indeed, the Christian should desire to be humble, etc.
However, the usage of the word “clothe” or “put on” does not detract from the point made in the post. Your point deals with an aspect of Christian sanctification, the post deals with an aspect of Christian justification.
Haven't you got anything to say?