Armor of God: Belt of Truth (Written by my wife)

 

Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil...  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth... Ephesians 6:10-18

When getting ready to write this blog I learned that in Biblical times the belt was "worn at all times, even without the other pieces" of armor (From Logos Bible Software). I found that very profound!  We need to make sure we are walking in the Truths of the Bible in every single decision we make, to wear these Truths "at all times."  

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world.  1 John 4:1-3

Test all you hear from all pastors, teachers, or any one else who tries to give you spiritual advice (including me) against what the Bible says. If what they say does not line up with the Word of God, they are deceivers and should not be listened to.  Many may try to trick you by saying, "That's not what Jesus meant when He said..." or, "Well, in the original Hebrew it means..."  Do not let these manipulative tactics work! No one should be so arrogant as to try to tell you what Jesus, Peter, Paul, John, or James (etc.) meant other than what was written into scripture (commentaries are helpful, but trying to change the meaning of what is written is not).  Also, the New Testament was NOT written in Hebrew, but in Greek. However, some claim that the gospel of Matthew may have been written in Hebrew originally, but there is no evidence of that. Certain prophetic books of the Bible, especially Revelation, are cryptic for a reason, but usually what you read means what it says and says what it means!  Do not let anyone try to make the Word of God try to jump through their hoops to justify their false religion or their sinful lifestyle! 

Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; Speaking lies in hypocrisy. 1 Timothy 4:1-2

1 Timothy also states Christians will "depart from the faith" and give into the "doctrines of demons."

What are these false doctrines leading people astray? There are too many to list here, I will just focus on one:  

For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Jude, Verse 4

This means that false teachers have perverted the Truths about holiness taught by Jesus, Paul, Peter, James, Jude, and others and have twisted it to a false grace message saying we never need to repent because forgiveness is automatic.  Salvation and true grace are free gifts from God; we do not have to earn them.  However, Romans 6:1-2 states, we should not "continue in sin, that grace may abound."  We need to be "dead to sin" and love the Lord more than the world!

For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Believers and unbelievers alike have solidly plugged up their ears to the holiness message of daily repentance (Luke 9:23).  They do not think there is any need to change or become a "new creation" by giving up "the old things" (2 Corinthians 5:17).

I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:15-16

In today's modern church, pastors have quit preaching the Truth on lessons of repentance and holiness.  I am not saying every single pastor out there is preaching a lukewarm message, but sadly, the majority are. 

Even the once on-fire holiness preachers have begun speaking less on righteousness and more on praying and getting blessed, not on how we should be blessing God.  While prayer is vital to our walk with God, our actions outside of the prayer closet matter even more.  Our cups need to be clean on the outside AND on the inside (Matthew 23:25-28).  

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.  For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools.  Romans 1:18-22

This is speaking of those who were well aware of God's power, but rebelled.  God was absolutely going to hold them accountable because they knew better.  In fact, the Bible says God holds us more accountable when we know the Truth and trade it for a lie than when our sins are more ignorant (Hebrews 6:6 & 2 Peter 20-22).  They knew better and justified their actions with false logic, and therefore, became foolish.   

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. Revelation 2:5

I see a lot of people who choose to do wrong still going to church, calling themselves Christians, and reading their bibles.  But there is good news for those that have rebelled and chosen to backslide.  The hope lies in prayers. We can pray they take up the belt of Truth and throw away the chains of Satan's lies once and for all.  Pray God will ultimately open their eyes, or re-open as the case may be.  Or if it is you who has fallen away, it is never too late to repent and start over.