12/31/16 POPULAR HERESY CONFRONTED
Here is a quote from a highly respected Bible scholar, and then a passage from God's word, which sets the record straight. I share this so that you will see how a person's theology can shade their understanding of the Holy Bible and the Christian faith.
Kieth L. Brooks (summary of each chapter of each book of the Bible).
The Summarized Bible
Brooks gives an outline of each chapter, using this as his outline.
Contents
Characters
Conclusion
Key Words
Strong Words
This outline is taken from, James 1:1-27
Conclusion: Such as have a true title in Jesus Christ through faith may expect to be called upon to endure many tests of faith, but the genuineness of their calling will be manifest by their stability in trial, their fidelity to God and the principles of Christianity, their activity in good works and the control of the carnal nature at all times. God is the source of wisdom and power continually.
Notice at the end of the first sentence, Brooks said that the genuineness of a believers calling is, "manifest by their... control of the carnal nature at all times."
Actually he said more than this, which is accurate, but this one statement, though it reflects popular theology, is inaccurate. No man can control the carnal nature. Notice what God said...
Romans 8:5-8
(5) For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.
(6) For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.
(7) Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.
(8) So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.
Notice that verse 7 says that even the law of God cannot control the carnal mind, the carnal nature.
The answer to the carnal nature, the carnal mind, according to Paul, is not control, but crucifixion. The Old Man must be crucified with Christ. The Carnal mind cannot be purified or controlled, it must be eradicated.
Sadly there are very few preachers telling their churches about God's full salvation from sin, which includes deliverance from the carnal nature, the carnal mind. But the fact is, the same Blood that provides justification for all men also provides entire sanctification for all believers, who are willing to trust God for His deliverance.
1 Thessalonians 5:23-24
(23) And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
(24) Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
