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| Who are the false brethren? |
https://www.facebook.com/sing.f.lau/posts/3917726617098
November
5, 2012
Who
are the false brethren?
2Co
11:26 "In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in
perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city,
in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false
brethren..."
Ga
2:4 "And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in
privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might
bring us into bondage..."
These are simple questions, are they not?
=======
Charles
Page
"Is
it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil,
because I am good?"
Words spoken to the hard-working bunch who think they are first in spiritual matters. They are jealous of anyone's blessings!
Sing
Please
apply that wonderful story to the question, "Who are the false
brethren?" Thanks!
Jonas
Those not in Christ (john 6:43...); Jesus is d way the Truth and life!..
the Lord knows who are His!..
Sing
Why
would Paul call those not in Christ as "false brethren"?
Jonas
as
1 verse would put it say "yes" if we mean yes n.."No" if
no.. nothing in betweens.. other than that all other things i.e. falsehoods, hoax,
pretense... comes from the devil 🙂
Ashley
Juliot
These
are a few observations...
"...false
brethren..."
1.
Are they brethren? - They seemed to be somewhat in conference. But, it is not
evident that these spies were ever considered true brethren that had received
the truth of the gospel.
2.
If not, what are they? - Pretenders with an agenda to bring others into the
bondage of will-worship traditions and works-righteousness doctrines.
3.
If they are, in what sense are they false? - They seemed to somewhat in
conference, but they added nothing to Paul. That is, they had no fellowship in
the true gospel, therefore Paul did not consider them true as other brethren
who perceived the grace that was given unto him. In this sense these who seemed
to be somewhat were in reality false brethren.
"But
of these who seemed to be somewhat, (whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter
to me: God accepteth no man’s person:) for they who seemed to be somewhat in
conference added nothing to me." (Galatians 2:6)
"...James,
Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given
unto me..." (Galatians 2:9)
Blessings
-Abraham
Sing
Thanks
Abe! I like the way you directly deal with the questions. A rare skill... so
many lack such basic discipline, and it annoys me no end!
What
meaneth, "somewhat in conference"? In Gal 2:6, those who seemed to be
somewhat in conference that added nothing to Paul, WHO ARE THEY - are they
Paul's brethren or not?
Are
there men whom you would consider your brother in Christ but teach falsehood?
I believe 'false brethren' are brethren INDEED, but brethren who are misguided by some falsehood.... i.e. those Jews who are God's children but were stuck in the old covenant, and opposed Paul.
Sing
Jonas
NOg, just ascribe it to the devil, and bingo, issue solved <lol>
And
why do you think the term "false brethren" is not stating the truth in a
PLAIN UN-equivocal manner?
Charles
Page
I
protest the Southern Baptist Church theology and the initial response of them
to me is that I need to be saved and usually I get tracts instructing me in how
I can be born again. As for as they are concerned I am not a brother I am
unregenerate and persecuting them. My protesting just contributes to their
"self-deception'!
However, in my heart I consider them brethren living in error. They are regenerated.
They are false brethren in their erroneous theology. As false brethren, they are
also unbelievers. They are children of God unconverted from their previous
beliefs. They are Christian syncretists rather than monergist. They mingle
Christian views with worldly humanism.
Sing
Soldier,
you not only handle bazookas well, you handle scalpels well... you dissect well!
Charles
Page
if
I err I want to err on the side of assuming too many are brothers and my
responsibility is to bring them to a proper conversion.
Seems
to me too many want to assume few are brothers and they stand to err with the
sola fidos!
Sing
Charles,
after the Lord showed me grace in its proper light, my understanding of
"false BRETHREN" underwent a great change!
So many elitist calvinists would consider arminians as FALSE brethren, i.e. not children of God because they are less clearer than them!!! I was there toooooo! The Lord had mercy on me!
Ashley
Juliot
These
who seemed to be somewhat to Paul were considered of no matter to Paul. Paul
later stated that he "would they were even cut off which trouble
you." (Galatians 5:12) Paul did not seek their restoration as with the
little children that had back slide into a false gospel. Paul made a distinction
between the little children led astray and the false brethren that needed to be
cast out.
"They
zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might
affect them... My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until
Christ be formed in you... Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of
the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman. So then,
brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free." (See
Galatians 4:17-19, 30-31)
There
were brethren in Christ that erred from the truth of the gospel into falsehood.
"...when
Peter was come to Antioch, I withstood him to the face, because he was to be
blamed... Barnabas also was carried away with their dissimulation. I saw that
they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel..." (See
Galatians 2:11-14)
It
appears that Paul only considered someone in Christ if they had received the
truth of the gospel. Our brethren may error into believing a false gospel, but
it is only evident that these are brethren in Christ because they had received
the truth of the gospel according to the scriptures. "...how that Christ
died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that
he rose again the third day according to the scriptures." (1 Corinthians
15:3-4) Note, the confession that "Christ died for our sins" must
include "how... according to the scriptures".
Mormons
for example would confess that "Christ died" for their sins. But,
they have never believed the truth of the gospel if it is not "how...
according to the scriptures."
In
conclusion, I only consider someone my brother in Christ if they have
previously received the truth of the gospel according to the scriptures.
Blessings -Abraham
Charles
Page
Abraham,
that seems to be an elitiest view! I am sure there are Mormons who are
regenerate even though they have never received the truth of the gospel
according to the gospel.
Ashley
Juliot
There
are regenerate children of God among every nation whom the Spirit has conceived
and convinced of sin prior to their hearing and receiving the truth of the
gospel. However, these should not be considered or entreated as brethren until
they have believed the gospel. "...Let us go again and visit our brethren
in every city where we have preached the word of the LORD, and see how they
do." (Acts 15:36)
Charles
Page
what
standard determines who are brethern and who are only regenerated. I have
attended a Primitive Baptist church for the last month and i am called a guest
-am I a brother or a regenerate guest?
My understanding is I will never be a brother by them! Who draws the line? I don't believe that they had that in mind in Acts 15:36. I believe they would forbid such disqualification of the regenerate.
Ashley
Juliot
A
side note on regeneration:
In
Isaiah 61, we learn that the preaching of good tidings is "unto the
meek"; the binding up is to "the brokenhearted"; the
proclamation of liberty is to the "captives"; the opening of the
prison doors is to them that are "bound"; the comfort is to "all
that mourn"; the beauty for ashes and the oil of joy for mourning is unto
"them that mourn in Zion"; and the garment of praise is for the
"spirit of heaviness". Here we may understand that we are first made
meek, brokenhearted, captives, bound, mourners, and heavy in spirit before we
are called through the good tidings of the gospel "trees of righteousness,
the planting of the Lord." First, we are conceived by the Spirit. Later,
we are begotten through the gospel. First, we are made sensible to our sin and
our need of God's mercy. Later, we are comforted by the glad tidings of the
gospel.
Some
helpful quotes:
"...in
time, the Holy Spirit quickens (An Old English word which means to “make
alive,” or “to smart” or “be pricked” etc.) those that are saved by Christ on
the cross, giving to them spiritual life. This is referred to in Scripture as
“being born from above,” or “begotten again,” and often Bible students call it
regeneration. Freewillers call it “getting saved.” Hollywood artists call it
“being born again.” However, these terms are rather confusing and often
inaccurate. “Begetting” takes place before “birth.” A sensible sinner will
already be “begotten,” but may not as yet have been “delivered” in birth.
Principally, regeneration in both places in the Bible where it is used seems to
refer to the re-introduction of life into someone prior to the resurrection of
the body. But, we will not now go there. Rather, let us still “simply put” the
order of the gospel of Christ. The spiritual life begotten and conceived in a
previously dead elect sinner produces various effects. They can now feel the
awful sinfulness of their sins very clearly. Their conscience is quickened.
They smart under the felt judgment of God's law. They now know their acute need
for salvation. They now desire evidences that God loves them, and that Christ
died for them. They now are brought by the Holy Spirit under the condemnation
of God's holy law. They now mourn, being depressed spiritually, over their
sinfulness. They have spiritual eyes to see their need, and feel that they yet
walk in darkness. (Isaiah 50:10.) They become beggars at mercy's door, longing
for a hope and evidence that they are one of God's people. Simply put, they are
alive! They are in the process of birth – “being born from above.” (John
1:12-13.) And the first step in this process of birth is the begetting and
conception, which is called quickening. This gracious and necessary work will
ultimately and unfailingly be produced in them “at the appointed time.”
(Galatians 1:15.) They are sinners, and will immediately confess themselves to
be such. As sensible sinners they are the only kind of people for whom Christ
came to save. “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
Again, “Christ died for the ungodly.” (Romans 5:6.) Simply put, the gospel is
that Christ did in fact die only for sinners; that is, those who are in time
made feeling so. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to reveal this sinnership to
them; and that Christ died for such sinners as they! That is gospel!"
- Stanley Phillips
"First,
the Spirit of the Lord God, which is the quickening spirit, makes them alive,
quickens and animates them with spiritual vitality, and makes them feel the
need of living water, which can only be found in Christ, who is the place of
broad rivers and streams. So far as we can perceive any distinction between
being born of the water, and of the Spirit, the Spirit first operates upon the
sinner, and makes him sensible that he is guilty before God, righteously
condemned by the just and holy law, and utterly helpless and bankrupt. Then the
water of life flowing through Christ from the throne of God and the Lamb, with
cleansing, cheering and life inspiring power, is applied, and he is born of the
water into the liberty of the sons of God." - Gilbert Beebe
"Distinguish between Regeneration and the New Birth. Regeneration is the impartation of spiritual life, and is a sovereign and direct act of the Spirit within the soul. The New Birth is the entrance of the new-born soul into actual and experimental spiritual existence. Regeneration is effected by the Spirit without instrumentality, whereas in the New Birth, the Word of God is employed and brought into spiritual connection and union with the mind and heart. Thus “of His own will He brought us forth, by the Word of truth,” James 1:18 (Revised Translation). “Being born again by the Word of God,” 1 Pet. 1:23. “Except a man be born of water (used metaphorically for the word, as in Eph. 5:26), and of the Spirit” by the agency of the Spirit, and the instrumentality of the word, “he cannot enter into the kingdom of God,” John 3:5). All passages which speak of the gospel as a power in the effectual calling of sinners presuppose the existence of spiritual life in their souls. It is the power of God “to every one that believe,” Rom. 1:16, and faith is the act of a living soul. To us “that are saved it is the power of God.” It saves “those that believe,” 1 Cor. 1:18-21." -William Styles
Charles
Page
where
does it say Judas was not elect nor regenerate?
Ashley
Juliot
What
is your confession - Have you merely sinned, or are you utterly sinful?
Pharaoh
felt a sin - "...I have sinned this time..." (Exodus 9:27) "...I
have sinned against the LORD your God, and against you." (Exo 10:16)
Balaam felt a sin - "Balaam said unto the angel of the Lord, I have
sinned." (Numbers 22:34) Saul felt a sin - "...Saul said unto Samuel,
I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy
words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice." (1 Samuel 15:24)
"Then said Saul, I have sinned: return, my son David: for I will no more
do thee harm..." (1 Samuel 26:21) Judas felt a sin - "...I have
sinned in that I have betrayed the innocent blood." (Matthew 27:4)
David knew he was utterly sinful - "I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me... Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." (Psalm 51:3, 5) Asaph knew he was utterly sinful - "Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee." (Psalm 73:21-22) Isaiah knew he was utterly sinful - "Then said I, Woe is me! for I am undone; because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips: for mine eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts." (Isaiah 6:5) Peter knew he was utterly sinful - "...he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord." (Luke 5:8) Paul knew he was utterly sinful - "...I am carnal, sold under sin... For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing... O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?" (Romans 7:14, 18, 24)
Ashley
Juliot
Charles,
the apostles only addressed believers as beloved brethren. There are many of
our lost brothers and sisters among all nations who must be brought into the
sheepfold. "As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but
as touching the election, they are beloved for the father's sakes."
(Romans 11:28) But, we should only declare believers as our brethren in Christ.
The standard of one's reception into church fellowship should rest upon their
reception of the simplicity of the gospel; not a confessional creed or a church
membership program.
"All
my state shall Tychicus declare unto you, who is a beloved brother... Onesimus,
a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you... Epaphras, who is one of
you, a servant of Christ... Salute the brethren which are in Laodicea, and
Nymphas, and the church which is in his house."(Colossians 4:7, 9, 12, 15)
It
is an unbiblical practice for a church community to count a disorderly brother
as an enemy. Disfellowship may be necessary, but the church should continue to
admonish him as a brother. "...if any man obey not our word by this
epistle, note that man, and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed.
Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." (2
Thessalonians 3:14-15)
However, there are enemies of the cross which are not to be admonished as a brother. "Brethren, be followers together of me, and mark them which walk so as ye have us for an ensample. (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)" (Philippians 3:17-19)
Charles
Page
I
certainly would not call all regenerated/born again people brothers or sisters but I would perhaps be more lenient with the title than most, particular of
the PB status. The Calvinists are careful to designate a true believer as a
brother. Most of the SBs I talk with are careful who they call brother. A
brother is one who demonstrates true saving faith. A false brother is not a brother
at all! I personally don't want to be that exclussive and would like to be like
the apostles in their designation of brethern! The body of modern brethern are
mostly errant in faith and that does include some Primitive Baptist.
Maybe even me.
Charles
Page
most
of you if you really knew me would not designate me brother!!! On the other
hand I will err in calling others "brother"!
Sing
I
gladly own you as a Brother, as well as a fellow soldier of Christ!
[A certain Kamau has deleted all his comments; too cowardly to let his comments be read.]
Sing
Kamau,
why don't you study the context of the passages where the term "false
brethren" are used by Apostle Paul, before you start putting your own
ideas!!! <LOL>
Surely
you must see both words - the precious word 'brethren' is right next to
'false'!
'False'
is an adjective, qualifying the noun 'BRETHREN.'
Fat
brethren, are brethren; lazy brethren are brethren!
They are false brethren; they are brethren who are promoting the falsehood of the continuity of the old covenant ceremonies like circumcision, etc! !!!
Sing
Kamau @ "Now
in our world today there are many 'christians' who live by the law and by grace
together.let me explain further,they confess Jesus died for their sins but if
they break the law or if they commit sin,their salvation is not certain,hope
you understand."
======
I
most certainly do understand. I have met lots of people like you... the
Calvinists. Not saying that you are one!
So
those brethren are false brethren because their mind is messed up!
I
hope you are doctrinally sound enough to qualify yourself as among the true
brethren!
God
bless you, Kamau, to qualify.
Sing
It
is very SAD, because to the Calvinists lots of God's children who are confused
with the gospel of their salvation, are false brethren, because like you said,
"these are not brethren cos we cant share eternity in heaven with them.
They are cursed (Gal.3:10),they are severed from Christ."
I
suppose the pronoun "we" refers to you and your Calvinists of your
kind.
I'm
very blessed to know that heaven is the Lord's and am mighty glad that you have
NO SAY whatsoever whom you need to SHARE the heaven with.
You
come across to me as a VERY PRESUMPTUOUS MAN... deciding who are fit to share
the heaven with you! And rightly so because you are a Calvinist!!!
<LOOOOL>
Sing
Salvation
is God's precision work... He purposed eternal salvation for His elect, Christ
secured that election for them, and the Holy Spirit applies it to each elect at
God's appointed and approved time... and they are completely and perfectly
fitted for heaven.
Christianity
- is quite different. God's children, depending on the QUALITY of the gospel
ministry providentially made available to them, end up believing different
amount of truth... some more, some less, others very little. Some are quite
messed up in their head... believing falsehood, lies and superstition.... THEY
are less detoxified by the gospel ministry! They are God's children
NONETHELESS.... and because they are God's children, they are brethren... but
brethren who entertain some falsehood!
You
are talking about UNBELIEVERS. The subject is about BRETHREN.... yes, false
BRETHREN.
I
do despise the elitist Calvinists who think of themselves ONLY as among the
TRUE brethren, thus true children of God!!!
Sing
"They
are confused because the dont believe in Gods word.its good to note that its
God who gives faith which brings us to the point that the elect(sheep) will
hear the voice of the (Shepherd) Jesus"
=========
You
are quite mistaken!!!
The
elect dead in trespasses and sins hearing the life-giving voice of Christ the
Life-giver, and God's children hearing the human preacher preaching the gospel
of THEIR SALVATION are separate and distinct and independent events!
There
is NO faith needed to hear the life-giving voice of Christ... the dead can't
possibly have faith until he has been given eternal life through the
life-giving voice of Christ summoning the dead to life!
Only
such are capable of being called by the gospel ministry to the truth of their
salvation by God's free and sovereign grace - if such have a faithful gospel
ministry brought to him to begin with!!!
