Christian's Handbook 3

Handbook 3 shares a Christian's personal experiences while being led out of the "organized visible church" by the Holy Spirit.

Jesus and Perfection

Handbook 3: Article 38 - Every Thought Captive

There is one thought more evil than others -- that we can't become like Jesus because He had special heavenly support that helped Him keep from sinning. Why is this so evil? Because this is the deception and spirit of the antichrist.

"For many deceivers have gone out into the world, those who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is the deceiver and the antichrist."

2 John 1:7

Scripture assures us that Jesus did not masquerade as man. He was a man. He did not have a special "in" with the Father that is not available to us. He was not born full of knowledge, handed a list of what work He was to accomplish. Nor was he an automaton programmed to obey -- He learned obedience through the things that He suffered just as we do. He was tempted and tried just like we are. But there is a difference and a big one -- He did not sin.

We like to attribute this to the part of Him that is God. We want to believe that He had special power that is not available to us. But this idea is the granddaddy of all error, the deceitful, lying doctrine of the antichrist. Have no part of it.

Jesus came in the flesh. Every grace and gift from God to Him is available to us also through Him. We not only can become like Him, we must. Entertain no other thought on this subject.

"For it was fitting for Him (God)... to perfect the author and finisher of their salvation through sufferings. For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for that reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren."

Hebrews 2:10, 11

"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence. For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, in order that by them you might become partakers of the divine nature..."

2 Peter 1:2-4

"Where there is no vision (of this), the people perish..."

Proverbs 29:18

"Remember the former things long past, for I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times, things that have not been done, and saying: 'My purpose will be established, and I will accomplish all My good pleasure'..."

Isaiah 46:9, 10


« LastNext »

  1. Fixing My Eyes on Jesus
  2. Jesus and Perfection
  3. The Measure of a Perfect Man
  4. Because He Is, I Can Become
  5. The Body of Christ, the Mystic Church
  6. The Good Confession
  7. Ruler of the Kings of the Earth
  8. Jesus Changes for All Times the Meaning of the Word: "Temple"
  9. God's House, a House of Prayer

« Last 9Next 9 »